The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, recently visited Kebbi State to reaffirm President Tinubu’s dedication to boosting local economies and addressing challenges caused by natural disasters.

During the visit, Minister Edun, joined by His Excellency Comrade Nasir Idris, the Governor of Kebbi State, and Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, toured WACOT Rice Limited in Argungu. This modern rice processing plant, with an annual milling capacity of 120,000 metric tons, supports thousands of farmers through its extensive procurement network and an out-grower program involving 8,000 farmers. The facility significantly contributes to local rice production and economic growth in Kebbi State.

Minister Edun also visited a rice farm struggling with ongoing flooding, which poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity in the region. Acknowledging the risks posed by these floods, he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to mitigating their impact.

The minister emphasized the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle the effects of flooding, mentioning recent actions taken by the National Economic Council (NEC) and Governor Idris. These initiatives include the allocation of N3 billion to each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to combat, mitigate, and prepare for the flood season in 2024, with a primary focus on supporting farmers and protecting the agricultural sector.

Minister Edun praised the resilience of the Kebbi State community under Governor Idris’s leadership. He highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing security and increasing productivity in the region. Minister Edun also called for ongoing private sector investment to further boost agricultural production and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a top global agricultural producer.