Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday, spoke shortly after the signing, saying that the development was in continuation of the vision of improving food security and creating employment in the state.
The partnership, as estimated, will aid the provision of about 200,000 jobs across the agriculture value chain, bringing about the cultivation of 32,000 hectares of farm land in production of rice paddy resulting to an estimated 130 million processed rice per year.
Ambode emphasised that the landmark occasion provides the ambience for the State to collaborate with other South West States in economic integration.
He also stated that the raison d’être for the partnership with Buhler is in the interest of diversification of the nation’s economy and conservation of foreign reserve.
“The state of the art rice mill will be cited in Imota, Ikorodu and it requires 32,000 hectares of land for cultivation of rice paddy. This investment is expected to create thousands of jobs in rice value chain. In addition to the current arrangement with Kebbi State, Lagos would go into partnership with neighbouring states, to ensure sustainable inputs for the mill and foster regional economic integration,” Ambode said.
Based on the agreement, Buhler covers supplies and installation of rice mill including silos as well as maintenance, technical support and training of Nigerians in the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy.
The rice mill is expected to be constructed within twelve months and it is going to bethe largest in Nigeria.
Apart from Governor Ambode, other people present were members of the State’s delegation and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs & Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Suarau Oluwatoyin; and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya.
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