By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), says it is ready to partner with relevant stakeholders to boost Nigerian’s economy through livestock production, genetics, veterinary services, capacity building and modern agriculture technologies.
The Director-General, ACCI, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, said this at a Strategic Engagement meeting with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and other stakeholders, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The theme of the meeting is “Opportunities for Livestock Development.”
He said that ACCI was conscious of what agribusiness, livestock development, capacity building and investment could contribute to nation building.
Jideani said that the chamber was therefore interested in partnerships covering livestock production, genetics, veterinary services, capacity building and modern agricultural technologies.
According to him, ACCI is committed to engaging U.S. businesses, financial institutions and development partners to facilitate knowledge transfer, investment and market access for Nigerian enterprises.
He further said that ACCI was ready to work with relevant organisations nationwide.
He encouraged the members to participate in exchange programmes, training opportunities and investment initiatives.
The D-G also urged stakeholders to share information on available programmes, adding that stronger communication would enable more businesses to benefit from international partnerships.
He said the chamber would sustain discussions with its partners beyond physical meetings, describing the engagement as the beginning of a long-term relationship aimed at strengthening bilateral business cooperation.
He called for sustained collaboration between Nigerian businesses and U.S. institutions to unlock investment opportunities.
Earlier, Mr Christopher Bielecki, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, Departments of USDA/FAS, said that the department was promoting bilateral agricultural trade between Nigeria and the U.S. through partnerships and improved trade policies.
Bielecki said the department supports capacity building by funding training programmes across agricultural value chains to strengthen skills, promote business growth and deepen trade between both countries.
He said that the livestock sector offered significant opportunities for expanding agricultural trade and investment, making it a priority area for collaboration between Nigeria and the U.S.
Bielecki said the USDA was focusing on future trade opportunities by supporting Nigeria’s livestock industry through stronger business partnerships, technical cooperation and capacity development.
He said the USDA would be participating at the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture.
The National Vice-President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr Abdul Bello, advocated a long-term livestock development strategy.
Bello identified priority investment areas to boost cattle production, improve infrastructure, and strengthen livestock value chains across Nigeria.
He urged stronger Nigeria-U.S. trade partnerships, while encouraging manufacturers to export quality livestock products and create platforms for businesses from both countries to exchange ideas and investments.
He emphasised the need for a national livestock disease database and improved infrastructure, adding that the both were essential to attract investment, increase meat exports and create jobs in Nigeria.
Also, Amb. Janet Olisa, Special Adviser to the National President on International Relations, NACCIMA, called for stronger partnerships between Nigerian and U.S. businesses through structured networks.
Olisa further said that trusted collaborations and due diligence would boost investment and improve trade opportunities.
Alhaji Goni Dunoma, Executive Member,
Borno State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BOCCIMA), urged improve infrastructure to strengthen value chains and boost cattle, sheep and goat production nationwide.
According to him, improved disease surveillance, modern abattoirs and stronger Nigeria-U.S. partnerships will enhance livestock exports, attract investment and unlock the sector’s economic potential.
Mr Bode Thompson, Vice-President, Agriculture, ACCI, also commended efforts to strengthen Nigeria–U.S. agricultural collaboration, while reaffirming the ACCI readiness to partner with government and foreign investors.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will take place in Abuja from Aug. 9 to Aug.13.
It serves as Africa’s premier continental gathering and expected to bring together researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to address the future of livestock and agricultural systems. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne