As Kogi State celebrates its 34th anniversary, the Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Alh. Ahmed Umar Enesi, extended heartfelt messages of prosperous future while urging the state government to activate the real sector ecosystem to drive economic growth and prosperity.
In a recent workshop held in Abuja for Shea Tree Reserve development and celebration of the largest Shea nut Refinery established in Niger State , the NASME Kogi State Chairman emphasized the need for concerted efforts to reap impactful gains from the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted the importance of strengthening Rules of Origin (RoO) and developing the food ecosystem trade dynamics in the state.
Ahmed also suggested that the state government tap into the temporary ban on the exportation of Shea nuts, given that Kogi State is one of the focus sources of Shea nuts export. This, he noted, would leverage the state’s rich resources and strategic location to drive economic growth.
Furthermore, he expressed concern over the poor optimization of the Kogi State Enterprise Development Agency, which had previously served as an MSME centre and pioneered the establishment of the Fashioned Shared Facility situated at Okene, Kogi State. He urged the state government to revisit planned projects, such as the establishment of a Mushroom Farm Industry, Shea Nut Processing Centre, and Shea Trees Cultivation.
“Kogi State is blessed with a vast expanse of arable land suitable for cultivating various food and cash crops,” he noted.
“At 34, Kogi State should be the pride of North Central Nigeria and a rallying point, given its historical significance as an epitome of trade prior to the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorate in 1914”, he said.
The Chairman’s advocacy comes on the heels of his recent attendance at the opening of the largest Shea Butter Refinery in Africa, further underscoring the potential for growth and development in the state’s Shea nut industry.
By activating the real sector ecosystem, Kogi State can unlock its economic potential and drive prosperity for its citizens. Ahmed’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the need for the state government to prioritize real sector development as it celebrates its 34th anniversary.
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