Mr Gbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture on Wednesday, said the state government aspired to be in the league of countries that had done very well in the coconut value chain.
Lawal told newsmen on the sideline of the two-day International Coconut Summit in Lagos.
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He said Lagos would emulate countries like Philippines, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, that had achieved so much in the industry.
The commissioner
also said the state government would continue to provide environment that would ensure business friendly climate in the coconut value chain.
“We want to be in the league of some other countries that have done well in the coconut industry, starting from Philippines.
“Philippines, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Sri lanka; those countries have done very well.
“We are open for business; whatever we need to do as a government in the rehabilitation of coconut, we will continue to do so in support of coconut industrialisation,” he said.
The commissioner urged the Federal Government to increase support for coconut value chain.
“Financial support is one of the challenges.
“The federal government must support the coconut industry; we don’t get enough support.
“We want development partners, World Bank and other multi-nationals, to see how they can support us in the coconut value chain.
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“Well over 100,000 people are in the coconut value chain in Lagos alone and if they provide jobs for all such people, it is going to have a lot exponential economy benefits.
“I think if it is promoted and supported, we will be able to take a lot of people out of poverty, using the coconut value chain.”
Lawal also urged farmers and processors to continue to venture into the coconut value chain.
“I will continue to encourage our farmers and processors to venture into the coconut value chain.
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“This is the first International Coconut summit, it is very interesting.
“I have listened to some discussants and participants and I am very encouraged.
“On our part as a government, we will continue to provide an enabling environment that will ensure business friendly climate in the coconut value chain.
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Lagos state has started a catalytic project in that regards at Mowo Badagry.
“Whoever is interested in going into the business, whether foreign or domestic investors in the coconut value chain; whether as producer, processor or marketer, we will always lend our hand of support.”
