Former member of the Senate, Ita Enang has urged the federal government to impose a ban on the importation of agro-machineries and inputs, emphasizing the need to foster local production capabilities among the country’s mechanical engineers.
Speaking at the 37th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers in Uyo, Enang expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigerian engineers to manufacture machinery and inputs essential for mechanized agriculture, thereby enhancing food production nationwide.
As a former presidential aide on Niger Delta Affairs, Enang stated that this moment presents an opportunity for states and local governments to leverage the available land within their jurisdictions for agricultural production, rather than relying on oil revenues.
He stated, “The federal government should ban and indeed prohibit the importation of agro-machineries and inputs from other countries, as Nigerian engineers are capable of providing and even improvising machinery for agricultural activities in the country.”
He further called for an end to policies that facilitate food imports, advocating for the redirection of resources to enhance emergency food production domestically.
Highlighting the economic advantages of local agricultural production, Enang remarked that it is far more beneficial for Nigeria to cultivate rice locally than to invest time and money in importing it.
He also urged the government to accelerate the establishment of a ministry dedicated to livestock and fisheries, similar to the recent formation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy from the Ministry of Water Resources.
This, he said, would enhance livestock production across the nation.
Moreover, Enang encouraged all levels of government to utilize the research outputs and innovations of engineers to improve agricultural practices, drawing inspiration from China’s successful strategies during its own economic difficulties.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace agriculture and return to farming, labelling it the only viable solution to boost food production and reduce reliance on food imports.
