CONTEC Agro to Invest $360m in Organic Labs in Nigeria

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Chairman of CONTEC Global Agro Limited (CGAL), a subsidiary of CONTEC Global Group, Dr. Benoy Berry has said the company plans to boost food security in Nigeria by setting up $10 million organic agro-labs in each of the 36 states before 2018.

He made this declaration after he was conferred with Outstanding Achievement in Food Security by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja. The leadership award was received on his behalf by the Executive Director, CGAL, Ms Farida Adam.

He dedicated the award to the entire Nigeria farmers, saying it was a great accomplishment to be honoured by one of the most important bodies in Nigeria.

“For us at CONTEC Global Group, this award represents the most important endorsement of the services we offer to Nigerians and other nationals across various critical sectors including Agriculture, Energy, Information Technology, Oil & Gas and Hospitality.

“If hunger is to be banished from Nigeria, we must think organic farming. That is why we are investing N20 billion into the sector to address hunger, malnutrition and food security,” Berry said.

He called for concerted efforts in organic agriculture especially by multinational companies and well to do Nigerians, saying the need to invest in agriculture has become more expedient as Nigeria’s population is expected to hit 450 million at the turn of 2030.

He said: “We have consciously laid the foundation since we commenced production of organic agriculture inputs four years ago through massive investment of N20 billion to herald a new culture in Nigeria’s agriculture, from our world class research facilities in Maitama district of Abuja, for higher crop yields”.

To achieve the company’s goal in food security drive, he said a sustainable template has been designed to increase crop yields  through production of only organic inputs for over 50,000 farmers this planting season.

He said the company is spurred to delivering unique, natural products that improve crop yield and quality while protecting the soil from harmful effects of chemical based agriculture.

Meanwhile Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has commended Berry for his bold strides in organic agriculture to banish hunger from the country.

Amosun, who was also awarded NUJ Governor for 2016, has pledged to partner CGAL for food security drive in Ogun State.