Dangote stated this during the inauguration of NABG attended by farmer associations, input dealers, representatives of finance and Insurance sectors, the supply value chain, poultry, fisheries, research and development in Lagos.
He noted that though the journey to bring agriculture to the forefront would not be easy, Dangote called for patience and unity so that the association can meet her objectives.
"There was nobody to interface with government at any level to represent the interests of the private sector, but now with the NABG, there will be a platform to discuss issues and challenges and be able to engage government on these issues.
Speaking further he said: "For many decades the agricultural sector has faced many challenges and there are so many issues facing the sector, so we decided that the way forward is to have a unified body that can project the sector".
He further informed that the group was not meant to replace other existing agriculture group, but to strengthen them and urged Nigerians who are into agriculture to be part of the group because of its huge benefit.
Dangote said the group will only thrive with collective efforts of other groups.
Also speaking, the coordinator of the group, Chief Emmanuel Ijewere, stated that Nigeria needs to turn to agriculture to drive the economy, stating that the position of NABG should therefore be seen as a patriotic one.
He recalled that less than two years ago the former Nigerian president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on advice of the then Eminent Persons Group agreed that members of the agriculture value chin should come under one group for adequate representation.
Ijewere added that 23 persons chosen to ensure an all-embracing body was put together to become the voice of agriculture from a holistic point of view.
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