By Akinwale Kasali
No doubt, the economic situation of Nigeria has become worrisome, as Nigerians groan in pain and anguish.
Staple foods are out of reach for numerous Nigerians, who are perturbed with the lackadaisical attitude and insincerity of its political leaders in addressing the issues.
Prices of commodities in the market has skyrocketed, with hunger and poverty becoming the order of the day.
Insecurity has also been a major factor that has made food production nosedive in country, as the activities of Herdsmen, Kidnappers, Cattle Rustlers and Insurgency have affected food productivity in the country.
In changing the narratives and bringing succour to Nigerians, the National Agricultural Commodities Projects NACP, through its amiable Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Dr. John Akorede Aderibigbe has recorded an historic landmark, by Signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Thailand’s leading Manufacturers of Heavy Trucks and Military Armored Vehicles In Africa, Panus, as one of its License Sales Agent.
With the agreement, NACP becomes Panus exclusive license sales agent for heavy trucks and military armored vehicles in Africa.
According to the former Presidential Aspirant at the 2023 Election, the strategic partnership aims to Enhance food production and logistics in Africa;
Strengthen security and reduce crime in the region and ultimately Foster economic growth and development for the country.
The MOU signing took place during the NACP Chairman & CEO’s business tour to Thailand, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to international collaboration and African development.
With Panus’s expertise and NACP’s vision, this partnership will revolutionize Africa’s agricultural and security landscapes.
Not resting on its oars, the Peace Ambassador signed another MoU with Marsun Ship Producer, both commercial and Military Ships, as well as Fish Farms on the High Sea, was approved on 2nd July, 2024, making NACP as the African Sales Agent.
Upon the discussion, the Thailand Shipping Firm said it has not been easy trading with Nigeria, as the economic situation of the country is in a pathetic state, but it couldn’t hesitate working With Amb. Aderibigbe, putting Into consideration his antecedents over the years, and his partnership with the Thailand Government.
With the MoUs signed by Amb. Aderibigbe on behalf of NACP, he has been able to make history and put the nation on the road map of development and growth, most especially, the Agricultural Sector, where he has been a major stakeholder.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the CEO of Thailand Airways at the airline’s headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss the need for a direct flight between Thailand and Nigeria to facilitate the logistics of agricultural commodities to the West African market under the NACP initiative.
He had a fruitful discussion the CEO of the Thai Airways, on the benefits of establishing a direct flight route between the two countries.
They however agreed that such a route would; Enhance trade relations between Thailand and Nigeria, Facilitate the transportation of agricultural commodities, Boost economic growth and development in both nations.
Part of the discussion also was for a Direct flight routes to Nigeria, both Cargo and passenger, Establishing Hangar for A,B,C&D in Nigeria,and also
Lease Arrangements with Nigeria businessmen and government.
The Thailand Airways CEO however expressed interest in exploring the possibility of introducing direct flights to Nigeria, considering the potential benefits for both countries.
In his words, Aderibigbe said he remains optimistic that Nigeria will be great and believes this is part of his own quota in changing the fortunes of the nation and making Food Production grow astronomically for the benefit of Nigerians.
“Nigeria is country that is blessed, we just need to rediscover ourselves as a nation and prioritize Agriculture, invest in it and make Food available to all Nigerians.
“When we invest in Agriculture, Food wouldn’t be an issue, there needs to be an holistic restructuring in the Agricultural Sector, with the Federal Government investing heavily on Food Production and engaging Local Farmers, and providing adequate securities for the farmers”, Aderibigbe said.
