Enugu, SEDC sign MoU to drive agro-industrial growth in South-East

The Enugu State Government and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the South East Agro Development Programme aimed at transforming agriculture into a major driver of economic growth, industrialisation and food security across the South-East.

The agreement was signed on Friday at the Government House, Enugu, where the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, represented Governor Peter Mbah. He said the administration remained committed to building an agriculture-driven economy capable of expanding the state’s wealth base and driving industrial growth.

Onyia said the government’s target of growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion would be anchored largely on strategic investments in agriculture, value addition and agro-processing. He added that the state had created an enabling environment for investors through improved security, regulatory reforms and investor-friendly policies.

According to him, over 52,000 hectares of land have been earmarked for agricultural development, assuring prospective investors of government support while safeguarding the interests of host communities.

Representing the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, the Commission’s Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, described the agreement as a landmark initiative that would unlock the region’s vast agricultural potential and attract critical investments into the sector.

He said the partnership would strengthen food security, accelerate sustainable agro-industrial development and further boost investor confidence, while commending the Enugu State Government for improving security and creating a business-friendly environment.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Uburu, said the collaboration would fast-track the development of about 52,000 hectares of farmland across designated farm estates, increasing food production and agro-industrial activities in the state.

Also speaking, the Enugu State Liaison Officer to the South East Development Commission, Mr. Edeani M. Edeani, described the MoU as a major milestone in regional economic integration, saying the initiative would create jobs for youths, promote inclusive economic growth and position Enugu as a leading agro-industrial hub in the South-East.