Rubber Processing Firm to Build Factory, Expand Plantations in Edo

*Private sector key to Obaseki’s reforms, says Uwaibi

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited (RENL) has disclosed plans to strengthen partnership with the Edo state government to establish a rubber processing factory, expand its out-grower scheme and facilitate reactivation of dormant rubber plantations for Edo indigenes living in the diaspora.
RENL, a subsidiary of Socfin, a leading global agribusiness company, manages a 10,000-hectare rubber plantation in Urhonigbe, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director of RENL, Olivier Odoukou, said: “We are excited to partner with the Edo state government to develop the rubber industry in the state.
“We believe that Edo state has the potential to become a major producer of rubber, and we are committed to helping the state achieve that goal.”
On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Kelvin Uwaibi said: “This partnership is a major step forward for Edo State’s rubber industry.
“Rubber is a valuable commodity with a growing global demand, and Edo State has the potential to become a major producer. This partnership will help us to realise that potential.”

According to FAOSTAT, Nigeria was the world’s twelfth-largest and Africa’s second-largest producer of rubber in 2018, and currently produces an estimated 160,000 metric tons annually. Global and local market demand for natural rubber is high due to its wide range of applications in various sectors of the economy.
At an average of 60,000 tons per year, Nigeria’s export of natural rubber trails far behind the annual global demand of 12 million tons.
Edo is Nigeria’s highest producer of rubber, leading 17 other rubber-producing states. The tree crop is grown in several local government areas across the State, including Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon, Ovia South West, Owan West, Ikpoba Okha, Esan Central and Esan South East.
Meanwhile, Uwaibi has said that the state is taking significant steps to enhance its business environment and create a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

Uwaibi who is also the Secretary of the Edo Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Council, articulated the consensus reached among stakeholders during a one-day private sector consultation forum.
He said the Obaseki-led government’s commitment to addressing these challenges and fostering a more investor-friendly environment is evident in the planned reforms.

Uwaibi listed the plans to include the initiatives which focused on implementing the Edo State Export Strategy Plan, developing an export policy, and establishing cluster schemes for smallholder farmers.
He said the state government also plans to review the state electricity law and explore renewable energy options to improve access to energy.

“There is also plan to streamline government processes for easier access and harmonise local government taxes while establishing clear channels for communication and feedback,” Uwaibi stated.

The forum highlighted the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders, including the Ease of Doing Business Council, government agencies, business member organisations, and the private sector.

The council emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector involvement in policy formulation and implementation while unveiling a roadmap brimming with initiatives to foster a more conducive environment for businesses.