Agribusiness in FOCUS as Mercy Corps Advocates for Northeast Investment

By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri

Mercy Corps Country Director, Nigeria, Ndubisi Anyanyu, has commended the governments of Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yobe for fostering an environment conducive to investment in the Northeast. He noted that this enabling atmosphere has allowed Mercy Corps and other partners to address the complex challenges resulting from the region’s 15-year conflict.

Speaking at the Rural Resilience Agricultural (RRA) partnership event in Maiduguri, Anyanyu highlighted the region’s potential, particularly within the agricultural value chains, despite ongoing challenges. The event, organized by the USAID-funded “Feed the Future Nigeria RRA” and other development partners, focused on creating opportunities for economic growth and employment in the Northeast.

Anyanyu emphasized the significant role that agribusiness could play in the region’s recovery. He pointed out that with modern farming practices and access to formal finance and credit facilities, the region’s production capacity could significantly boost food security and contribute to economic development.

“Mercy Corps and our partners are on the frontlines in the Northeast, striving to build a future where everyone can thrive. Our mission is to alleviate suffering and poverty by helping communities become secure, productive, and just,” Anyanyu stated, stressing the organization’s commitment to fostering global change through impactful local initiatives.

Despite these opportunities, Anyanyu acknowledged several challenges, including insecurity and climate change, which continue to hinder the full realization of the region’s agribusiness potential. He urged for strategic partnerships among state governments, non-governmental organizations, and the organized private sector to overcome these barriers and unlock the region’s untapped potential.

The RRA event, themed “Facilitating Trade and Private Sector Investments in Borno State: A Pathway to Resilience, Economic Recovery, and Growth,” aimed to attract investors and stimulate economic development in alignment with Borno State’s 25-year Development Plan. Anyanyu called on leaders of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to actively support this vision by simplifying bureaucratic processes and ensuring an efficient business ecosystem in their states.

Representing Governor Babagana Zulum, Dr. Mairo Mandara reiterated the state government’s commitment to implementing the 25-year development plan, which aligns with the broader objectives of regional development.

A six-member expert panel, led by Olga Petronian from Mexico, highlighted the critical roles that banking, seed production, and rice and wheat milling sectors could play in driving economic growth, particularly in agriculture, trade, and commerce.

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