The lack of structure in the Nigerian commodity space has been identified as one of the major challenges facing export of the country’s agro commodities.This was disclosed by the Managing Director, Sunbeth Global Concept, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, at the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) members evening and induction of new members, where 15 firms were inducted.
Represented by the Head, Business Development and Business Finance, Owoyemi listed other major challenge as lack of manpower and haulage, adding that price fluctuations, which is subject to individual local buying agents, makes it difficult to plan in the sector.
He explained that an arm of their business is focused on export of cocoa and cashew, by sourcing the seeds from local buying agents and exporting to Europe and Asia.
Owoyemi added that there are a lot of opportunities in Nigeria, but one needs to make efforts to identify and leverage them. He emphasised the role of collaboration to boost production of such agriculture products, such as government partnership and farmers empowerment.
He said: “In any community we choose to operate, we do not run the farm ourselves; we employ people in the town, provide funds and seed for them to farm and then buy at harvest time. Another collaboration is with the state governments in securing land. Government can also partner to bring in equipments for up scaling by waving some of the custom duties.”
Speaking to the inductees, President and Chairman of Council (NBCC), Mr Ray Atelly, said the event marked the beginning of a fulfilling race, which they have to run with decorum and consistency. He charged them to be involved in the chamber’s activities and identify their responsibilities as members so that their intentions for joining would be actualised.
The Chief Executive Officer, Business School Netherlands International, Prof Lere Baale, said Africa is filled with big opportunities and indigenes, noting that there is need to start leveraging the opportunities instead of allowing foreigners overtake the markets.
He listed the challenges in Africa as infrastructure, housing transportation, opportunities in construction real estate and urban development, adding that creating smart cities is an innovative solution to the challenges. He added that technological innovations are critical to address local challenges.
