The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has reconfirmed its commitments towards economic growth of Nigeria through sustainable development.
Stating this on Thursday was the agency country’s Deputy Mission Director, Sara Werth, at the commissioning of ReelFruit factory located in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Werth explained that the government of the United States over two decades ago, have been investing in Nigeria, especially in the area of agriculture.
She added that the partnership and investment was made possible through a multi sector strategy of engaging government, the private sector and communities to empower and strengthen local capacities
While hinting further that Nigerian private sector and United States government collaborated to support farmers, increase market access and launch new dried fruit processing facility in Abeokuta.
“Today, Nigerian-based Nature’s Bounty Health Products (ReelFruit) and the US government celebrated the opening of a 800 metric ton dried fruit processing facility in Ogun State.
“USAID began its partnership with ReelFruit in 2021. Through the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub project (Trade Hub), USAID awarded ReelFruit a 500,000 dollars co-investment grant.
“The grant was to help restore the company’s supply chain which had been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This partnership supported 355 small holder farmer networks across eight states in Nigeria by providing training on good agronomic practices and directly purchasing their fresh fruits.
“The trade hub improves private sector competitiveness, with a focus on increasing the agricultural productivity and profitability of small holder farmers in Nigeria and promoting West Africa’s regional and international trade,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mrs Affiong Williams, explained that the project served as a testament to her long-term unwavering belief in Nigeria’s Agricultural and manufacturing opportunity.
“We are going to process our range of dried fruits at scale to serve customers across the country, as well as sell ‘Made in Nigeria’ to the rest of the world, creating jobs and positively impacting farmers,” she said.
