… SAYS THAT WILL INCREASE UNEMPLOYMENT
A former Permanent Secretary in what used to be known as Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Ernest Umakihe has said that if care is not taken, the country may be one of the destinations of Chinese yams. Umakihe, a professor who retired from public service last January raised the concern at a stakeholders’ workshop.
He explained that Nigerians may soon begin importing yams for local consumption from China. The workshop, which incidentally was on repositioning yam as an export crop, and with the theme, Prospects and Challenges of yam export in Nigeria’, was part of efforts to encourage Nigerians to make yam of its export crops. But the former permanent secretary was concerned about the lackadaisical attitude of farmers and the authorities to exportation of yam.
He lamented that despite having 67% of global yam output, Nigeria is not on the map of yam exporting countries. The retired public officer expressed concern that with China delving into yam exportation, and considering Nigerians’ taste for imported goods, Chinese yams may soon be found in Nigerian kitchens.
He insisted that such a move would push more Nigerians into the unemployment market and reduce the income of yam farmers. Umakihe recalled that Nigerias first attempt at exporting yam was by Nasarawa State Government in 2009 with 8.5 metric tonnes and within the same month another 66 metric tonnes were exported in two shipments, followed by Oyo State, but without success. He also said that the federal Ministrys attempt to revive yam export in 2017 was poorly handled.
Hear him: It was only in 2017 that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Chief Audu Ogbeh, then Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development organised the first flag-off ceremony (of yam) with a batch of 72 tons to UK and USA. I believe these were done without proper planning before the execution. Aside from the mentioned attempts, nothing much has been heard of the yam export from Nigeria”.