The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spectra Industries Limited, Duro Kuteyi, has called on the Federal and state governments to adopt a “one local government, one industry” policy as part of efforts to tackle unemployment, strengthen food security and grow the economy.

Kuteyi made the appeal during a media briefing in Lagos after the newly elected chairman of Ijaiye/Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, paid a visit to the company’s headquarters in Lagos.

According to him, each local council should establish industries based on the raw materials available in their environment, noting that such a step will create jobs and reduce poverty nationwide.

“If they can accomplish that, then they’ll need to now go to one village, one factory. You can now see the number of people that will be gainfully engaged,” he said.

The Spectra boss decried the poor state of infrastructure in the Southwest, blaming governors in the region for neglecting road networks and mechanisation support for farmers.

“Our problem in the southwest is our governors. Take for example the road network from Ibadan to Ife, it’s a write-off. From Ife to Ilesa to Akure to Ado-Ekiti is also not good. When you don’t have good roads, how do you transport? And the governors keep quiet. What does it take for the governors to come together and invite the minister for works to see the situation? They need to do a lot more for their people,” he said.

Kuteyi further stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve lasting food security without agro-processing, warning that farm produce would continue to waste without value addition.

“If I buy yam and keep it, how long will it last? But if it’s processed, it can last for two years. Cassava garri can last for three years. With that, the price will not go up; it will remain uniform throughout the year,” he explained.

He also urged government to protect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from foreign competition, reduce import levies on machinery, and ensure security for farmers across the country.

On her part, the Ojokoro LCDA chairperson, Rosiji, promised to work with all stakeholders in the council to address malnutrition and improve the welfare of residents.

She said her administration would encourage market women and men to form cooperatives in order to buy foodstuffs in bulk and sell at cheaper rates.

Rosiji also pledged to support MSMEs and engage consultants to train youths and women on skill acquisition.