Agric exports record 160% increase in Lagos ports

EXPORT of agric products last year received 160 per cent increase in the Lagos seaports. The seaports were identified as Tin Can and Apapa ports.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who disclosed this during a retreat, said the increase was a good development for the country.

He said that the increase showed that the country exported agricultural products more than it was importing as at last year.

He disclosed that about $35 million was earned last year in the export of local drink known as Zobo.

He said: “All containers that used to carry cargo before and were half empty are now going out fully loaded with goods for export, such that we are now short of containers at the ports.

According to him, apart from oil and gas, agricultural sector was the highest in terms of job creation, adding that rice cultivation is expected to attract at least 12 million Nigerians.

“This year is our last lap and today, rice importation from Thailand has drastically reduced by 95 per cent as directed by the President, who wants Nigeria to be a major exporter of food. There is a demand for Nigeria’s agro produce. All we need do is to strengthen our quality control and once make agriculture a force and a national culture.”