The Anambra State Government and a Nigeria based courier/cargo Company, ABX World in collaboration with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), have commenced agro-allied export to European countries.

The export which kicked off three weeks ago with pumpkin (Ugu leaf) and bitter leaf vegetables is valued at over $5.2 billion annually.

ABX World is an EU certified (EUC) cargo agent, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) ‘Authorised Cargo Agent.’

Speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Honourable Afam Mbanefo, said that the government’s penchant for agricultural development was to eliminate poverty, create job and improve the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

In his words, “As a people oriented administration, Governor Willie Obiano has always sought for ways to create security of lives and properties, create good road network, create night life; these are things that will get people involved, bring in investors and attract tourism.

“Now, the agro-allied export is another testament to the Government unrelenting efforts to ensure Anambra State farmers do not lack market to sell their products.

“It is very imperative to note that before commencing the exports, the farmers through their cooperative societies received training and certification. In other words, we are confident that these products like pumpkin leaf and others will meet the market standard.

“As a government we are happy about this new development and we are thankful to other facilitators like ABX World.”

Confirming their collaboration, the CEO and Managing Director of ABX World, Captain John Okakpu, said that the gesture was capable of generating jobs, eliminating poverty and restoring investors’ confidence in the state adding that they are working with other partners like Arik Air and SAHCOL to ensure that about seventy-five percent of farm products of which pumpkin leaf tops the list, are exported from Nigeria to Europe and rest of the world.

He expressed optimism that the project will create millions of jobs in the country as more States queue into it.

He said: “When we entered into agreement with them, we discovered that they have gone very far. For instance, the state has over 1400 corporative societies and they have gone to the extent of training most of the farmers and also the certification of the corporative societies.

“The next step is the geo-mapping of the area for easy identification of the farmlands from any part of the world.

“This is a sure step to curb the incessant rejection of agro-allied produce from Nigeria at the European market and the rest of the world markets.”

It would be recalled that the EU certified trainers were in Nigeria about three months ago and the aftermath of the training and certification programme is that the participants are guaranteed of three years contract to supply agro-allied produce to Europe and can use also do that for the other parts of the world.

He noted that ABX World will use its partnerships around the world to make a difference, “create agricultural revolution whereby we bring in the off-takers to take agricultural products as long as they meet the international standard and requirements.”

•Photo shows Gov. Obiano.