Audu Ogbeh to EU, assist in reducing the number of Nigerian emigrants overseas
Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has appealed for support from the European Union Mission to reduce the number of young Nigerians migrating to the union.
Ogbeh gave the appeal in an interview with newsmen at the end of the monthly meeting of Heads of Missions of European Union member countries in Abuja on Tuesday.
The minister, who said that youths’ migration was not sustainable, noted that a joint committee would be set up to advance the programme.
According to him, rather than youths going out, Nigeria wants them to come back and invest in agriculture.
“We met today to explore areas of support for agriculture, agro-industrial growth and put forward the European Union proposal for partnership and enhanced support.
“We also looked at the possibility of their private sector investors coming into Nigeria to play a part.
“We also raised the issue of migration of our youths across to Europe and the fact that it is not sustainable.
“It is something that Nigeria will like to see come to an end by creating economic activities here to make sure that young people stay back at home.
“The response of the European Union was very encouraging.
“We want to set up a joint committee that can advance this programme because rather than youths going out, we want them to come back and invest in agriculture.
“We are also lucky that Nigerian youths are interested in agriculture, different from youths in other countries. Even those who studied other courses are interested in agriculture.
“We did raise the issue of kidnapping of investors here, we do not want any Nigerian or foreigner investing here to be kidnapped and taken away,’’ Ogbeh said.
On exportation of agriculture produce to the EU, he said the government would also partner with the quality control departments of the union to avoid exportation of contaminated and harmful agricultural products.
(NAN)
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