Federal government says measures have been put in place aimed at reducing the high rate of unemployment and upgrading GDP growth.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance , Budget and National Planning Mr Nebolisa Anako stated this during a sensitization workshop on the Strategic Implementation of the Bio-ethanol Project, held at the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano.
Mr. Nebolisa Anako said one of the aspirations of the Federal Government is to bring about higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment by creating meaningful opportunities for the youth.
He explained that the Bio-economy Policy aims at promoting sustainable economic growth and development , by creating a bio-based economy that will contribute to job creation, poverty reduction and increased access to food and energy.
“This will be achieved through the development of the cassava Bio-economy, as well as other Bio-resources”
The permanent secretary applauded the existing partnership between the ministry and relevant stakeholders, saying it will enhance productivity in the sector.
“It is pertinent to look at the Bio-economy response and how it can contribute to the deceleration of the rising food insecurity. The country, at this time, needs an approach that will increase food production, youth employment, and increased growth through the provision of industrial feedstock and exportable products to boost our economy.”
“To achieve this, one strategic pathway is to develop the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain.”
Mr Nebeolisa Anako added that development of the cassava bio-ethanol value chain is a veritable pathway to assuage the economic impacts on citizens and for sustained development.
In his remark , the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas represented by his Deputy, Professor Abdullahi Sule Kano commended the federal government for strategizing on the bio-economy to enhance food security.
The workshop was graced by participants from the academia, and other stakeholders.
ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN
