FG Executes N460m Agric Project in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia

 

Abubakar Momoh

The Ministry of Regional Development has announced the execution of a N460 million agricultural project across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Abia States, aimed at boosting rural economies, improving livelihoods, and eradicating poverty.  

During a Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Friday, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, revealed that the initiative includes the distribution of critical farming equipment, the establishment of agro-processing plants, and the empowerment of 294 individuals with N250,000 each for agricultural ventures.  

In Cross River State, the Ministry has established a Cassava Processing Plant valued at N171,186,892.38, alongside an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Akwa Ibom State. Additionally, two more mini-processing plants are under construction in Abia State, including a mini-Rice Processing Mill in Bende Town and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Ukwa East LGA, valued at N288,919,304.15.  

The Minister highlighted that the Ministry has distributed 81 Mechanical Tillers with Ploughs, Water Pumps, and Trailers to farmers in the Niger Delta Region, as well as 32 Fish Smoking Kilns to riverine communities. Two Tractors with Harrows, Ploughs, Ridgers, and Tipping Trailers are also expected to be delivered soon.  

Furthermore, the Ministry has trained and provided seed capital to 294 beneficiaries across the region, with plans to empower an additional 850 individuals under the 2024 Appropriation. Small and medium-sized enterprises have also received support through the provision of 165 sewing machines, grinding machines, and generating sets to entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, valued at N248,950,000.00.  

The Ministry’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment is evident in its clean stove initiative, which has benefited 600 women in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Bayelsa States, at a cost of N82,680,000.00. Additionally, 67 Truck-Tricycles and 30 Motor Bikes have been provided to youths and farmers as part of a transportation intervention.  

Infrastructure development remains a key focus, with ongoing projects including the construction of Agbokim Mgbabor Road in Ikom LGA, Cross River State (2km), and Biokpa-okpor-ukwa Road in Biase-Odukpani LGAs, Cross River State (1.2km). Other road projects are underway in Imo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Ondo States.  

The Ministry is also implementing water projects, including the provision of 6 mini-water schemes with a total capacity of 150m per day, and the installation of transformers to boost economic activities in the region.  

On housing and urban development, the Ministry is working to complete Mega Skill Acquisition Centers across the nine Niger Delta States, with centers in Bayelsa and Imo States already completed and handed over to federal institutions.