Nigeria Government urges South-South governors to take advantage of World Rubber Summit in Abuja to boost cultivation

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President Bola Tinubu billed to declare the summit open

By Akpan David, Calabar 

Governors in rubber producing states in South South region of Nigeria have been urged to take advantage of this week’s World Rubber Summit holding in the Banquet hall of Aso Rock Abuja. 

President Bola Tinubu is billed to declare the summit open where international players and investors are scheduled to speak.

The president has directed the local organising committee of the World Rubber Summit holding from July 31st to August 1st 2024, headed by Otunba Peter Igbinosun, Natural Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, (NARPPMAN), National President, to ensure it is hitch free.

Minister of Industries, Trade and Investments, Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite has advised that the rubber producing states in the Niger Delta region of the country should take advantage of the assemblage of the investors and international rubber experts and boost rubber cultivation.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar,  the national vice chairman of Natural Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, NARPPMAN, for South South,  Mr Usen Umoh stressed that it is very compelling for governors and their rubber players in Akwa Ibom, Cross River  as well as Edo, Bayelsa, Ondo, Delta and Ogun States to attend the Summit as they will vastly benefit.

“This summit presents an unparalleled opportunity to rejuvenate the rubber industry, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress within the South-South region,” he said.

Usen listed arrays of economic benefits accruable from the Summit, maintaining that rubber is a vital cash crop with significant export potential, which producing states must avail themselves of. 

“By engaging in this summit, our states can attract investments, boost local economies, and create jobs. 

“The summit will feature keynotes and discussions from global leaders.  Industry experts will provide invaluable insights into the latest advancements and opportunities in the rubber sector.

“Rubber plantations contribute to carbon sequestration, thereby helping to combat climate change and promoting ecological balance.

“Participating in the summit will enable our states to adopt sustainable practices, enhancing our commitment to environmental conservation,” he noted.

Usen called on governments in the region to revitalize the rubber industry as it will improve the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and their families. 

He stated that engaging in this global dialogue will provide the rubber producing states with the strategic direction needed to transform the rubber subsector.

He urged them to unlock the full potential of the rubber industry as the summit can drive sustainable development, foster economic prosperity, and ensure a brighter future forthe country.

He revealed that the summit will highlight innovative technologies and best practices, empowering our communities with the knowledge to enhance productivity and profitability.

Some of the speakers and representatives from international organizations include Prof. Joseph Adelegan, secretary general and executive head of International Rubber Study Group, His Excellency Ambassador  Sheikh Mohammed  Belal, managing director of Common Fund for Commodities in Amsterdam  Netherlands, His Excellency Mr Aly Toure, the permanent representative of Cote D’Ivoire to International Commodities Organization London, amongst others.

The Summit has as theme “Restoring Growth: A New Reality Of Trade, Investment, and Innovation in the Rubber industry”.