Table of Contents
- Reviving Local Industries
- Strengthening Economic Growth
- Boosting Infrastructural Development
- Cocoa Industry Initiatives
- Youth Training in Agriculture
- Promoting Local Fabrics
- Encouraging Cocoa Seedling Planting
The Forum for Former Deputy Governors has called on the Federal Government to restore cocoa grinding plants, textile mills, and other local industries nationwide to enhance economic growth and create jobs.
The FFDG made this announcement in a communiqué signed by its Chairman and Deputies, Chris Akoma, Muktar Anka, and Hazeem Gbolarumi, on Wednesday following its 4th Annual National Conference in Abuja.
The former deputy governors stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration should reinforce all necessary mechanisms that promote sustainable economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and genuine self-reliance.
The communiqué emphasized that all levels of government should enhance infrastructural development, particularly in roads and reliable power supply, which are essential for productivity.
“The Forum recommends that the government reactivate inactive cocoa grinding plants, revitalize the textile industry, and pursue investments, flexible credit access, and protective tariffs.
Governments should promote public-private investments in community processing centers for crops such as cassava, tomatoes, and rice to reduce costs, improve quality, and generate employment.
There should be collaboration with development partners to create credit facilities, processing equipment, and storage technologies for SMEs, with a focus on supporting cooperatives.
Encouraging cocoa consumption is vital for the nation’s health.
Youths should receive training in cocoa farming, and cocoa development units should be established in every state.
The government should mandate the use of made-in-Nigeria fabric for school uniforms in Nigerian schools and colleges to boost demand for local fabrics.
The government should procure 100 million cocoa seedlings and motivate Nigerians to plant them to generate employment and enhance foreign exchange,” the communiqué stated.
According to DAILY POST, former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and several former deputy governors shared their insights during the event.
What industries did the Forum for Former Deputy Governors suggest reviving?
The Forum suggested reviving cocoa grinding plants, textile mills, and other local industries to boost economic growth and job creation.
What are the recommendations for enhancing cocoa farming?
Recommendations include training youths in cocoa farming, creating cocoa development units in every state, and encouraging cocoa consumption for improved health.
How can local industries be supported?
Local industries can be supported by reactivating inactive plants, promoting public-private investments, and enforcing the use of locally made fabrics for school uniforms.
