NEPC, Ondo State Partner On Cocoa Production

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo, Ondo State is strategic to the Federal Government’s initiative of achieving Zero Oil programme in its bid towards diversifying the nation’s economy. He said that the council would partner with the Ondo State government in a bid to boost cocoa and oil palm production which the State has relative advantage.

Awolowo noted that the nation’s over-dependence on oil and its decline globally has been causing a major set back to the economy of the country, hence the need to maximize other areas of comparative advantage for her survival.

“But when you look at these countries, when you map them, you will see that Nigeria has expanse of arable land more than they have. We are ready to work with Ondo State, which is one of our targets even in the oil palm production”.

Mimiko, commended the initiative of diversifying the nation’s economy, calling on President Mohammad Buhari to spearhead the marketing of Nigeria before the international community, adding that his administration would assist the NEPC to enhance cocoa production for export and other products which the State has relative advantage.