Home Blog Page 942

Support Tinubu, Wike urges Nigerians

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Support Tinubu, Wike urges Nigerians

RIVERS state governor Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerians to support the administration of Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike made the appeal in Abuja while speaking with journalists after a meeting with Tinubu on Friday, April 28. The governor attended the meeting with his Oyo state counterpart, Seyi Makinde.

“Elections have come and gone. The winner has emerged and, therefore, it is necessary for all Nigerians to give him the necessary support for the interest of Nigeria.

“I am confident that he has what it takes to turn Nigeria around,” Wike said.

Makinde also urged Nigerians to back the incoming president and his government.

“I came here to basically pay homage to the President-elect and to let him know that elections are over and this is time for governance and we would do our best to give him support for the good governance of Nigeria,” he said.

Both governors, although members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had supported Tinubu in the fiercely contested 2023 presidential elections.

Tinubu defeated the PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour party to emerge winner of the election.

Wike said he, along with some other PDP governors, supported Tinubu so that power would shift from the North back to the South.

“Why we supported Asiwaju is so that power should return to the South. Whether Asiwaju or Peter Obi, for us the next president must be a Southerner in the spirit of equity,” Wike had explained.

NDLEA asks court to strike out suit seeking Tinubu’s arrest, prosecution over drug case

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
-
0
NDLEA asks court to strike out suit seeking Tinubu’s arrest, prosecution over drug case

THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to dismiss a suit instituted by the Peoples Democratic Party and a chieftain of the party, Dino Melaye, against the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

The duo are seeking an order of mandamus to compel the anti-narcotics agency to arrest and prosecute Tinubu over the alleged forfeiture of some money in his bank accounts in the United States over two decades ago.

In a preliminary objection filed on Wednesday, the director of prosecution of the NDLEA, Joseph Sunday, said the application by the PDP and Melaye was “incompetent” and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it.

The NDLEA said the suit should be struck out because it was “political in nature”, and was not in the interest of Nigerians. Rather, Sunday said, it was targeted at removing Tinubu as the bonafide winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

The agency described an order of mandamus as an equitable remedy that should only be applied in good faith, and should not produce an indirect or underlying result.

“The doctrine of judicial self-restraint precludes this honourable court from delving into matters with political colouration or matters aimed at getting direct or indirect political goals,” the suit reads.

A litigation officer attached to the NDLEA directorate of prosecution, Chia Depunn, stated in an affidavit supporting the preliminary objection that the NDLEA has a “healthy” relationship with the US government and affirmed that Tinubu’s name has never come up in any drug-related exchanges between the two countries.

He added that the name of Tinubu “has also not featured in the radar and database of the agency as a person arrested, investigated or prosecuted in connection with drug or other related offences.”

The affidavit read, “That this suit as presently constituted does not confer the court with jurisdiction. That the 1st Applicant does not have the locus standi to institute this suit as it does not possess any interest peculiar to it and above the interests of all other Nigerians.

“That the suit is baseless, frivolous and brought in bad faith with the sole aim of achieving a political objective using the instrumentality of the court process. That the facts and circumstances of the case require the court to apply the doctrine of judicial self-restraint.

“That the Order of Mandamus must be applied in good faith to promote the public interest. That the Order of Mandamus should not produce an indirect or underlying result.

“That the suit was not a criminal indictment or charge. That the standard of proof in civil forfeiture is based on the balance of probabilities. That the standard of proof in a criminal indictment, charges and proceedings is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. That the burden of proof in criminal procedure is much higher than that of civil procedure.”

The NDLEA said the application by the PDP was “dead and legally unsustainable”, and urged the court to dismiss it with substantial cost.

IPAC cautions NPC against using census to siphon public fund

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
-
0
IPAC cautions NPC against using census to siphon public fund

THE Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has cautioned the Federal government against using the 2023 national population census as an avenue to siphon public fund.

The council also warned the Federal government against allowing the population census to be a waste of resources and time.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, April 28, the chairman of the IPAC, Lagos state chapter, Olusegun Mobolaji, emphasised that the essence of the exercise should not be futile and defeated.

According to Mobolaji, “It is a good step in the right direction. Under a normal circumstance, any nation that cares about its people and their well-being, as well as about development and infrastructure should conduct this at regular intervals.

“We just pray that this will not be an exercise in futility or another channel of siphoning public funds.

“I am afraid this will not bring financial corruption that will still take away the little resources that we have as a nation.

“It should not be a waste of the nation’s resources without bringing desired results. We should guard against anything that can make it another waste of resources and time.”

IPAC hoped that the results and data obtained from the census would be useful in the provision of essential services and amenities for all citizens

He said, “This data and statistics should help the government to make proper provisions for all categories of citizens that we have.

“We should know the average number of people and the age category so as to make provision when it comes to education, health and other basic amenities for the people.”

He further tasked the federal government to utilize the exercise to generate improvement and advancement for Nigeria.

He said, “We have everything it takes to grow this nation, make it rapidly developing and build the economy.

“When we look at the motive behind the population census, everyone knows it is a good thing in the right direction. But will Nigeria not remain the same because of leadership failure after the enumeration?

“This exercise should give Nigerians confidence that things will change for good for them.”

The IPAC chief urged that the incoming administration to use the exercise to effect development and positive changes in the country.

Postponement of the 2023 general Census

The ICIR had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the postponement of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, earlier scheduled for May 3 to May 7, 2023 indefinitely.

Buhari made this known through a statement signed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on April 29.

According to the statement, the new date for the census would be determined by the incoming administration, which will be led by the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Part of the statement read: “In arriving at the decision to postpone the Census, the meeting reiterated the critical need for the conduct of a Population and Housing Census, 17 years after the last Census, to collect up-to-date data that will drive the developmental goals of the country and improve the living standard of the Nigerian people.”

Buhari explained that with the completion of the Enumeration Area Demarcation of the country, conduct of first and second pretests, the recruitment and training of adhoc workers and procurement of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and ICT infrastructure, remarkable progress had been made in the implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

He commended the methodology being put in place by the Commission to conduct an accurate and reliable census, especially the massive deployment of technology that is capable of delivering world class census and laying a sustainable basis for future census exercises.

North Central governors back Niger lawmaker for deputy senate president

Beloved JOHN
-
0
North Central governors back Niger lawmaker for deputy senate president

STATE governors in the North Central zone have resolved to support the senator representing the Niger East senatorial district, Sani Musa, for the seat of deputy senate president in the 10th National Assembly.

Ahead of the 10th national assembly inauguration, governors and senators-elect in the north-central are throwing their weight behind Musa for deputy senate president.

The governors and senators reached this resolution at a meeting at the Kwara State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, on Friday night.

The Kogi and Kwara state governors, Yahaya Bello and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq respectively, organised and led the meeting.

They both affirmed their support for the Niger East senator and urged the zone’s senators and governors to pull their weight from their respective states to ensure the goal was achieved.

Abdulrazaq commended those present at the meeting and asked the senators-elect to work hard to “get the highest possible leadership position in the 10th Senate.”

He advised the political leaders to reach out to other zones to get the required numbers and cooperation.

He said, “The Governors of the North Central geopolitical zone will continue to support the aspirations of Senator Musa to lead the 10th Assembly by all means possible.”

Bello also urged all the political actors in the zone to unite “for the common goal.”

He beckoned on the elected local government officials, political appointees, and serving and former state and national assembly members from the north-central to support the quest of producing a presiding officer in the 10th National Assembly.

“This is the appropriate time for us to unite to pursue a common goal so North Central Nigeria will take its rightful place in the affairs of the country,” he said.

Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly will be inaugurated in the first week of June. Different interest groups nationwide are already lobbying for the seats of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Shortly after the inauguration, members of the Senate will elect new presiding officers.

Based on results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retained the majority of the Senate and House of Representatives seats, with 57 and 162 members, respectively.

But the party is yet to determine its preferred zoning arrangement.

On Thursday, April 27, the APC debunked reports that it had decided on its preferred zoning arrangements for National Assembly leadership positions.

The party asked the public to disregard the information as it was yet to zone any leadership position.

“To be clear, the Party has yet to zone leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly. Any decisions made in that regard will be duly communicated via the Party’s official information channels,” it stated.

The lawmakers seeking the Senate President position are Jibrin Barau (Kano North), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North-West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), Abdul-Aziz Yari (Zamfara West), Sani Musa (Niger East), Ali Ndume (Borno South), Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi South), and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).

Deputy Governorship slots should be reserved for women – Ondo first lady

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Deputy Governorship slots should be reserved for women – Ondo first lady

BETTY Akeredolu, wife of the Ondo state governor Rotimi Akeredolu has demanded that slots for deputy governors in Nigeria should be reserved for women alone to promote gender inclusion.

Akeredolu made the demand at a press conference in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Friday, April 28.

The conference was organised by a non-governmental organisation, Imo Women Matter, of which Akeredolu is the convener.

“We demand that the deputy governorship slots of all the 36 states in Nigeria be exclusively reserved for women so that they can also have a voice like the men. We are uniquely gifted by God. Why are we being suppressed? Nobody should be less empathetic about this serious issue. Women need to be delivered from socio-economic extinction,” she said.

She believed that women were being marginalised, especially in issues around politics and decision-making, despite achieving great feats globally.

“Look at the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is currently the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the late Dora Akunyili, and of course, the legendary Chimammanda Ngozi Adichie. These are great women of substance who have the wherewithal to effect change.

“Unfortunately, the efforts of the several women bodies including Nigeria Council of Women Society (NCWS) have yielded little or no good results because of the marginalisation meted out to them. It is high time this was put to a permanent stop,” she said.

She decried what she regarded as the under-representation of women in the just concluded Imo state presidential and House of Assembly elections, and challenged women to become more active in politics.

Despite efforts to improve women’s participation in governance, female representation in government has continued to decline in Nigeria.

In the just concluded 2023 presidential and national assembly elections, the number of female senators in Nigeria took a plunge from seven in the 9th Assembly to three senators-elect as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This has caused a lot of anxiety among women groups, as the struggle for gender inclusion in governance seems not to be yielding the desired results.

EFCC to journalists: Use investigative tools to expose corrupt practices

Bankole ABE
-
0
EFCC to journalists: Use investigative tools to expose corrupt practices

THE chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has sought more support from journalists in tackling corruption, urging them to use investigative reporting tools to expose corrupt practices.

This was disclosed in a statement that the EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren issued and signed on Saturday, April 29.

According to Uwujaren, Bawa made the call on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at a training workshop for journalists in Maiduguri, Borno state. The theme of the one-day workshop was, ‘Effective Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes for Journalists’, especially those covering the agency’s activities.

The anti-corruption agency chairman called on journalists in the Northeast to be proactive and use investigative journalism tools to expose money laundering and terrorism financing.

Journalists during EFCC training IN Maiduguri, Borno state
Journalists at the EFCC training programme in Maiduguri, Borno state

Bawa, speaking through the Commander of the Maiduguri zonal command of the Commission, Oshodi Johnson, urged the participants to be alive to their responsibilities as members of the fourth estate of the realm, and to ask questions where corrupt practices were suspected.

He drew the attention of the journalists to the new anti-money laundering framework and told them to be conversant with it in order to inform the public and other stakeholders better. 

In his words, “The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 are new legislations designed to prevent and tackle illicit financial flows and money laundering in Nigeria.”

Bawa further urged journalists to monitor the activities of designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) to determine their level of compliance with their obligations to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Journalists after the EFCC training IN Maiduguri, Borno state
Journalists after the EFCC workshop Maiduguri, Borno state

He pointed out that Section 56 of the Terrorism Act empowers SCUML, which is now fully domiciled in the EFCC, to refuse or revoke the registration of any NGO linked to terrorist groups.

Three papers were presented at the workshop. Chris Msheligaveed, in his overview of the anti-money laundering framework, drew attention to the important provisions of the new Money Laundering Act 2022 and the obligations for individuals and corporate bodies, while Obiageli Okechukwu spoke on ‘Digital Payment Statement: Emerging Opportunities for Fraud and Prevention Tips for Victims.’

Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Dele Oyewale, charged the Nigerian media to focus on investigative and developmental journalism, rather than on sensational news.

According to Oyewale, “The fight against corruption can be won if you journalists discharge your responsibilities professionally by engaging in investigative journalism with a focus on social justice and accountability.”

The EFCC said the workshop was organised to interface with journalists and deepen the relationship between the Commission and the media.

Sudan Crisis: Evacuation commences for second batch of Nigerians – FG

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Sudan Crisis: Evacuation commences for second batch of Nigerians – FG

THE Federal government has said evacuation of the second batch of Nigerians stranded in Sudan would commence on Saturday, April 29.

This was contained in a statement jointly issued and signed on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

According to the statement, the first batch of evacuees at the Egyptian border were currently undergoing required documentation to ensure their entry into the country.

“The movement of the second batch of 29 buses will commence on Saturday, 29th April, 2023. The evacuees are advised to be at the designated locations with only one luggage.

“Contrary to insinuations on the social media, Embassy staff are very much on ground in Khartoum to coordinate the evacuation exercise to the very end,” the statement read.

Nigerians in Sudan awaiting evacuation were advised to cooperate with officials to ensure proper documentation and avoid delays during the journey.

“While the Federal Government empathises with affected Nigerians, maintaining order amidst the desperate situation remains crucial to getting all interested Nigerians out of the war zone in record time before the expiration of the ceasefire, which has been extended by 72 hours,” the statement read.

The ministries also announced that the first batch of Nigerians at the Egyptian border would be evacuated shortly by the Air Peace airline and officials of the Nigerian Air Force, who have been on standby.

Public outcry over the sum of $1.2 million released for the evacuation was also addressed in the statement.

“The outcry over the negotiated sum of $1.2 million for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for. The amount in question, was negotiated in a condition of war, and there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens.

“Therefore, the cooperation and understanding of all and sundry is required to complement ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of every Nigerian trapped in Sudan,” the statement read.

The crisis had frustrated the Nigerian government’s efforts to airlift thousands of stranded Nigerians directly from Khartoum, the Sudan capital.

Manufacturer debunks cancer-causing substance claims in indomie products

Marcus FATUNMOLE
-
0
Manufacturer debunks cancer-causing substance claims in indomie products

INDOFOOD, the producer of indomie noodles, has debunked the claims by the Taiwan and Malaysian governments that one of its product varieties – chicken flavour – contains ethylene oxide (“EtO”), a cancer-causing chemical linked to lymphoma and leukaemia.

In a statement on Friday, the company said its products are safe for public consumption.

Following their claims, Taiwan and Malaysia have ordered the recall of the products.

The ICIR reports that indomie is a staple food in many homes in Nigeria, cherished by children and adults.

Because of its popularity, many people in the country identify all noodle products as indomie.

The product became popular in Nigeria in the ’90s, though it was first produced in Indonesian, the current headquarters of its manufacturer, in 1972.

Indofood is one of the largest instant noodles manufacturers worldwide. The products are in over 100 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

The product comes in many varieties, from classic soup flavours such as chicken, vegetable, and curry to its most popular flavour indomie mi goreng. 

Its manufacturer claims it produces 19 billion packs annually.

Claims by Taiwan and Malaysia 

On Monday, April 24, Taipei City in Taiwan issued a statement showing the result of the tests it conducted on indomie products in the country.

Part of the statement reads, “In order to ensure the hygiene and safety of food consumed by consumers, the Health Bureau of Taipei City Government sampled 112 instant noodle products in supermarkets, supermarkets, supermarkets, traditional markets, Southeast Asian food specialty stores, general vending stores or wholesale importers to test the ethylene oxide content in 30 stores, and the inspection results found that the residual ethylene oxide did not comply with the requirements.”

Reacting to the statement, the Malaysian Health Director-General Radzi Abu Hassan said the locally produced “Ah Lai White Curry Noodles” ( indomie chicken) had met local compliance standards, but the ministry decided to proceed with the recall to ensure food safety.

Product contains chemical, but safe – Indonesia

Meanwhile, the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control, known as the BPOM, confirmed the product contained the substance, but at a level acceptable to the standard applied by the agency.

The office said in a statement issued on April 27 that the standard for food products manufactured in the nation could contain up to 85 parts per million (ppm) of Ethylene oxide.

“The level detected in the instant noodle sample in Taiwan (0,34 ppm) is still way below the standard applied in Indonesia and in other countries like the United States and Canada,” part of the statement said.

Our products are safe – Indomie producer

Reacting to the reports on Taiwan’s tests and recall of its products by the country and Malaysia, the manufacturer said in a statement signed by its director, Taufik Wiraatmadja, “All instant noodles produced by ICBP in Indonesia are processed in compliance with the food safety standards from the Codex Standard for Instant Noodles and standards set by the Indonesian National Agency for Drug and Food Control (“BPOM RI”).

“Our instant noodles have received Indonesian National Standard Certification (SNI) and are produced in certified production facilities based on international standards. 

“ICBP has exported instant noodles to various countries around the world for more than 30 years. The Company continuously ensures that all of its products are in compliance with the applicable food safety regulations and guidelines in Indonesia as well as other countries where ICBP’s instant noodles are marketed.”

We’ll address Nigerians on claims – NAFDAC

When contacted by The ICIR Saturday morning, the Director of Public Affairs at the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Jimoh Abubakar, a doctorate holder, forwarded a text message by The ICIR seeking the agency’s reaction to the issue to the NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, a professor, for a response.

Abubakar promised to get back to The ICIR.

The response had yet to come as of the time of publishing this report.

Buhari okays postponement of 2023 census

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
-
0
Buhari okays postponement of 2023 census

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the postponement of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, earlier scheduled for May 3 to May 7, 2023 till further notice. 

The ICIR had earlier reported that there were indications that the 2023 that the exercise may be postponed following the statement of the 2023 Census Manager and Director, National Population Census (NPC), Inuwa Jalingo on Friday.

The 2023 census manager had said that there are a series of technical problems and issues that need to be fixed before the Commission proceeds to conduct the exercise.

Meanwhile, in a statement signed by Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on April 29, Buhari gave the approval after meeting with some members of the Federal Executive Council and the Chairman of National Population Commission and his team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday (28 April 2023).

According to the statement, the new date for the census to be determined by the incoming administration which would be led by the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Part of the statement read: “In arriving at the decision to postpone the Census, the meeting reiterated the critical need for the conduct of a Population and Housing Census, 17 years after the last Census, to collect up-to-date data that will drive the developmental goals of the country and improve the living standard of the Nigerian people.”

Buhari explained that with the completion of the Enumeration Area Demarcation of the country, conduct of first and second pretests, the recruitment and training of adhoc workers and procurement of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and ICT infrastructures, remarkable progress has been made in the implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

He commended the methodology being put in place by the Commission to conduct accurate and reliable Census, especially the massive deployment of technology that is capable of delivering world class Census and laying a sustainable basis for future censuses

Buhari instructed the Commission to proceed with arrangements for carrying out the 2023 Population and Housing Census to maintain the progress already made and establish a foundation for the next administration to strengthen these accomplishments.

According to the National Population Commission (NPC), the census earlier scheduled to take place in May 2023 will be Nigeria’s first national population census in 17 years, and it is expected to adhere to international best practices. However, it was earlier postponed due to the postponement of the gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

The ICIR had earlier reported that the National Population Commission (NPC) postponed a training programme organised for enumerators and supervisors involved in the 2023 population census.

The NPC had earlier stated that the census will be conducted digitally in line with the United Nations (UN) recommendations and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved N2.8 billion for the Commission to procure software to be used for the conduct of the exercise.

Tomato ebola: How farmers, government can curb outbreak after N1.3bn loss – expert

Ehime ALEX
-
0
Tomato ebola: How farmers, government can curb outbreak after N1.3bn loss – expert

FOLLOWING a ravage of tomato farms by the tomato ebola and a consequent loss of about N1.3 billion to farmers, Ikechi Agbugba, a former United Nations consultant, has advised governments and farmers to take necessary steps to prevent further losses.

Agbuba was a consultant to the food crop production transfer station at Ubiaja, and the National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan.

Agbugba, who is the senior advisor with Tomato and Orchard Producers’ Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), shared his thoughts with The ICIR on what needed to be done to rescue the situation, which he described as quite saddening.

Caused by an insect called tuta absoluta, tomato ebola or tomato leaf miner is a specie of moth that ravages tomato farms.

The infectious insects had started their destruction of tomato farms from Galama Local Government in Kano and spread to Kaduna, Katsina and Gombe states, according to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

The FMARD feared the situation could become more severe, with a consequent widening of the country’s tomato needs to three million metric tonnes from the 1.3 million deficit being experienced.

Nigeria actually needs about 5.4 million metric tonnes, FMARD noted.

Agbugba, who also is a senior lecturer at the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, warned that the tomato ebola could afflict more farmers.

What farmers can do?

According to the tomato farming expert, farmers can minimise the likelihood of disease outbreaks by adopting better management practices and farming techniques for effective performance.

“One approach is to use tomato seed varieties that are resistant to the tomato ebola disease, and farmers may adopt the practice of crop rotation in controlling its spread,” he said.

Agbugba: advises farmers to use seed varieties resistant to tomato ebola

“Moreover, infested plants and post-harvest plant debris should be totally removed or eliminated from the farm. Predatory mirid bugs could be deployed as biocontrol to manage tuta absoluta infestation,” he suggested.

He also suggested that farmers could avail themselves of financial and technical assistance from non-government organisations (NGOs) and government entities to tackle the difficulties they are encountering.

Farmers could also collaborate with research institutions, as well as food and agricultural experts to devise or execute novel farming methods and technology solutions that can limit crop losses.

Ways government can rescue the situation

As an academic and researcher with diverse exposure consulting for the UN on horticulture-based projects, Agbugba called for government’s considerable investment in research.

“This will be needed to effectively tackle the situation,” he said.

According to the senior lecturer, the government could further provide subsidies and other funding solutions to aid farmers and horticulture-based researchers, particularly those focusing on tomatoes in purchasing superior quality seeds, fertilisers and equipment.

In other words, NGOs can offer training and technical assistance to build farmers’ capacity in improving their productivity and adopting better farming practices.

“Undoubtedly, the government can implement policies and promote programmes that can enhance, as well as encourage investment in the tomato industry, thereby strengthening tomato supply chains and also supply chain stakeholders’ collaboration so as to create a unified approach in addressing the challenges faced by the sector,” he said.

Tax incentives, for instance, can be granted to firms that invest in tomato production and processing.

“There is, therefore, room for the government to invest in transportation and storage infrastructure as that will, to a large extent, mitigate post-harvest losses.

“The government can also collaborate with supply chain stakeholders to create a unified approach to address the challenges faced by the sector,” Agbugba added.

1...941942943...3,433Page 942 of 3,433