By Princewill Ekwujuru
AgrikExpo West Africa organised by 151 Products Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and AiQ Capital Management Limited, is set to tackle the US$2 billion spent annually on food imports, as it holds its exhibition in August 2012.

Speaking, Arch T.A. Awagu, President, NBCC, while addressing newsmen, said the Agric exhibition which is in two parts, has its theme as Agriculture and Food /Beverage products, will focus on agriculture, while Foodbext will dwell on finished foods/beverage products/services.

The NBCC president who said that the US$2 billion spent annually on food importation moved the organisations to organise the exhibition for Nigerian farmers, corporate and  private firms including individuals engaged in agricultural products to capitalise on the opportunity to get insights into new deals in agriculture.

“Thus, AgrikExpo/FoodBext is coming at this auspicious time. A scenario where over US$2 billion is spent annually on food imports is clearly unacceptable. Every support must be given to local production via sundry activities of government and private sector,” Awagu said.

He went on to say that the imminent threat of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa has presented a challenge to governments across the region and all well meaning individuals, including corporate organisations, hence the exhibition. Quoting President Goodluck Jonathan, he said, “the time is now to revolutionize our agriculture and every segment of the value chain must be favourably harnessed for a total transformation of the sector.”

Continuing, he said, “so far, the activities of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, shows a creative commitment to agricultural development and if the tempo is sustained, our agriculture will witness rejuvenation in the nearest future. However, the wisdom is that the government cannot do it all alone. An incorporation of private sector initiatives into the solution strategy mix is a step in the right direction.”

Continuing, Awagu said: “It is time to treat, showcase, and market agriculture as commercially profitable business rather than developmental project.

We must come to terms with the reality of attracting foreign investors into the sector, in view of the fact of modern agricultural technology and huge investment requirement.” AGRIKEXPO will bring together the best in the industry to a common venue where stakeholders will interact for the ultimate impact on standards and quality of agricultural productivity and food supply.