By Lawani Mikairu
ABX World (NIGERIA), a Nigerian courier and cargo firm, has signed an agreement with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) as cargo airline and process handling company for its export business.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABX World, Captain John Okakpu said Nigeria had immense agricultural potential, even as only 40 per cent of her 84 million hectares of arable land is cultivated.

He said the company, having secured the certification of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an “Authorized Cargo Agent”, is set for a speedy export of agro-allied produces, especially perishable items such as vegetables and fruits.

According to Okakpu, “the stability and sustainability of the world economy have been and still depend on agriculture, because agriculture is the major source of survival for man, animals and the industrial sectors through the provision of food and raw materials according to STAN in 2000.

“In other words, agriculture is taking back as the leading contributor to the economy; hence oil and gas sector is seriously in shambles.”

He said Nigeria had the required manpower to support agricultural expansion, affirming that with an estimated 80 million farmers, Nigeria can cultivate enough food for its people and feed the world. He also said ABX World’s believes in tapping into the sector can only be sustainable when the private sector expertise is allowed to thrive.

He said: “There is a need to engage the private sector, investors, local banks and international financial institutions with the view of connecting (supply chain) the vast investment opportunities of Nigeria agriculture with local and international investors.

On the choice of Arik Air as cargo airline partner, he said as Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, the airline was the first to operate a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft.

“The challenges we have as a nation, of course, present opportunities that could be tapped into for value addition and profitability. How can these be communicated to the agile youth, farmers, logistics companies, investors, and foreigners who have interest in Nigeria’s agro-produce?”

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABX World, Captain John Okakpu said Nigeria had immense agricultural potential, even as only 40 per cent of her 84 million hectares of arable land is cultivated.

He said the company, having secured the certification of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an “Authorized Cargo Agent”, is set for a speedy export of agro-allied produces, especially perishable items such as vegetables and fruits.

According to Okakpu, “the stability and sustainability of the world economy have been and still depend on agriculture, because agriculture is the major source of survival for man, animals and the industrial sectors through the provision of food and raw materials according to STAN in 2000.

“In other words, agriculture is taking back as the leading contributor to the economy; hence oil and gas sector is seriously in shambles.”

He said Nigeria had the required manpower to support agricultural expansion, affirming that with an estimated 80 million farmers, Nigeria can cultivate enough food for its people and feed the world. He also said ABX World’s believes in tapping into the sector can only be sustainable when the private sector expertise is allowed to thrive.

He said: “There is a need to engage the private sector, investors, local banks and international financial institutions with the view of connecting (supply chain) the vast investment opportunities of Nigeria agriculture with local and international investors.

On the choice of Arik Air as cargo airline partner, he said as Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, the airline was the first to operate a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft.

“The challenges we have as a nation, of course, present opportunities that could be tapped into for value addition and profitability. How can these be communicated to the agile youth, farmers, logistics companies, investors, and foreigners who have interest in Nigeria’s agro-produce?”