CBN Planning N90bn N’Delta Integrated Agric, Says Akpabio

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria plans to expend N90bn in the nine states of the Niger Delta region in its integrated Agricultural Programme to train youths in fishery, rabbitry, piggery and others.

He expressed the readiness of the Federal Government to collaborate with the French Government in the establishment of virology centres which will address and tackle the spread of infectious diseases in the Niger Delta region.

Akpabio made this known when the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasquier, paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the ministry spokesperson, Patricia Deworitshe, titled ‘Establishment of virology centres in Niger Delta Region crucial – Akpabio.

The statement said, “Akpabio also stressed the need to engage soil remediation experts to help in restoring the soil to its natural pollution free state, which will enhance soil usefulness and prevent endemic poverty in the region, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria has demonstrated its readiness to expend N90bn on the nine states of the Niger Delta region in its integrated Agricultural Programme to train youths in fishery, piggery, etc.’’

He assured the ambassador that the ministry would be prudent and transparent in any financial assistance offered by the French government.