The Ogun State Commissioner for Industry , Trade and Investment , Kikelomo Longe , has said the government is willing to allocate land to genuine stakeholders involved in the cultivation , processing and marketing of rubber in order to boost the commodity ’ s value chain .
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Industry , Trade and Investment on Monday , Longe gave the assurance while meeting members of the National Rubber Producers , Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State branch , who paid her a courtesy visit in Abeokuta .
According to Longe , the present administration is determined to revive the ailing rubber sector as products made from rubber are considered more environmentally friendly than plastics .
She said despite an increase in demand for the state ’ s arable land from local and foreign investors , the government was willing to support the development of the rubber value chain by allocating land to stakeholders with convincing plans which would benefit the state .
Longe said , “ I am excited at the prospects that rubber has to offer us in Ogun State . Governor Dapo Abiodun has indicated that rubber is a cash crop that has potential to be a game changer for us in Ogun State .
“ On a daily basis we get requests from investors looking for land to site their business in the state . So your proposal must be convincing . In partnering with NARPPMAN , we must be sure the interest of the state is well protected . ”
The commissioner called on the group to do a compelling proposal , noting that the association ’ s land request may be awarded in phases .
