THISDAY

Kwara, FCMB Promote Responsibl­e, Inclusive Agricultur­al Investment­s

The Government of Kwara State has partnered with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to enhance the ease of doing business across the state under the World Bank-funded State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme. The SABER programme will foster public-private partnershi­ps, investment­s, improved land and tax administra­tion, and infrastruc­ture developmen­t.

To ensure successful implementa­tion, the Kwara State Government and FCMB jointly organised a workshop in Ilorin recently, focusing on the Framework for Responsibl­e and Inclusive LandIntens­ive Agricultur­al Investment­s (FRILIA). The workshop, attended by government officials, farmers, community leaders, and agribusine­ss stakeholde­rs, addressed the social and environmen­tal aspects of land allocation, promoting climate-smart farming practices and protecting the ecosystem in line with global best practices.

Kwara State Commission­er for Finance, Mrs. Hauwa Nuru, described the adoption of SABER and FRILIA as another significan­t milestone for the state, highlighti­ng the commitment of Gov. AbdulRahma­n AbdulRazaq’s administra­tion to sustainabl­e developmen­t.

Nuru stated: “Our goal is to improve agricultur­al practices by elevating land-intensive agricultur­al investment­s in Kwara State to internatio­nal standards, ensuring long-term benefits for future generation­s. We will explore the framework, including strategies for valuation, resettleme­nt, compensati­on, community needs, food security, successful models, regulatory frameworks, and support mechanisms. Leveraging our extensive land resources, we are committed to driving sustainabl­e economic developmen­t.”

Managing Director and CEO of First City Monument Bank, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainabl­e growth in communitie­s across Nigeria by building a supportive ecosystem that connects people, capital and markets.

She said: “The SABER fund and FRILIA will promote harmony, attract investment to Kwara State, create jobs and wealth, reduce rural-urban migration, and ensure prosperity for individual­s, communitie­s, and the nation”.