Billionaire and founder of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, this week, raised the alarm that the activities kidnappers has frightened away investors from the country, and as a result, it has crippled the growth of the agricultural sector in the country.
Mr Dangote was speaking at the Agric Expo and Conference, put together by Nigeria Agribusiness Group in conjuction with private and public sector agencies.
He spoke on the topic ”Challenges Facing Agribusiness Investors in Nigeria’ where he expressed displeasure over the increasing rate of kidnapping on the Kaduna – Abuja Highway.
Mr Dangote’s Fears
With the increase rate of kidnapping along various commercial farms, investors have taken to thier heels for the purpose of safety.
“The security situation in the country is discouraging agribusiness investors.
Most of the people that have large farms along the Kaduna-Abuja road have abandoned the farm due to the menace of kidnapping.”
Dangote advised that various governments should secure land for commercialized agriculture, begin to work together where necessary on the issue with proactive approach.
According to Dangote, “Agriculture cannot strive in this country, except there is cooperation between all the agencies of government. Inter-governmental cooperation is lacking in terms of galvanising the kind of support that investors need in the sector”,
“The security situation in the country is discouraging agribusiness investors. Most of the people that have large farms along the Kaduna-Abuja road have abandoned the farm due to the menace of kidnapping.”
He blamed government at all levels for lack of cooperation and protecting investors in the agricultural sector, which he considers as improper.
He was represented at the occasion by Executive Director, Public Sector, Dangote Group, Engr. Mosul Ahmed.