By Okojie Francisca.
In a strong show of Federal Government support for Edo State’s Agricultural and industrial development agenda, a high-powered delegation from Abuja representing the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), a key Federal Parastatal, undertook a strategic visit to major Agricultural and industrial sites across the state.
The delegation led by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to aligning national fiscal and economic priorities with state-level developmental initiatives. The visit follows the launch of the 2025 farming season in March by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who pledged to reposition Edo as a leading hub for agriculture and agro-industrial investment in Nigeria.
Upon arrival in Benin City, the RMAFC team was formally received by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, on behalf of the State Government. The presence of a Federal delegation of such calibre affirms the buy-in and strategic endorsement of Edo’s developmental agenda by the Federal Government.
Accompanying the delegation during the field visits were the Honourable Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, and Mr. David O. Ogunbor, Head of Agricultural Services and Extension, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reflecting the state’s integrated approach to agriculture and resource-based industrialization.
The first stop during the visit was the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement in Ovia South-West Local Government Area. The delegation engaged with local farmers, evaluating current practices, needs, and opportunities for improved Federal and State collaboration.
The next visit was to Wells Farms, located in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, one of Edo flagship commercial farms covering over 2 square kilometres with a remarkable annual turnover of USD 8 million, inclusive of exports. The Managing Director of the establishment briefed the delegation on the farm’s impact and scale, while the Lead on Business and Exports raised concerns about policy constraints, such as the ban on inorganic fertilizers, which significantly affect agribusiness operations.
Responding, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu encouraged the farm’s management to submit a detailed brief outlining challenges and areas where the Federal Government can intervene, particularly through policy adjustment and improved resource access.
The tour also included a visit to TIME Ceramics, a major industrial mining firm located in Utesi. Facilitated by Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, the engagement focused on Edo State’s emerging industrial landscape, with conversations centered on how the Federal Government can support responsible mining, local content development, value chain expansion as well as Federal-State Partnership for Inclusive Growth.
The presence of the RMAFC Chairman and his team from Abuja highlighted a growing synergy between the Federal and Edo State Governments, as both tiers worked together to advance national economic diversification, food security, and inclusive prosperity.
The visit not only signal confidence in the reforms being undertaken in Edo’s agriculture and industrial sectors, but also strengthens the State’s position as a viable partner in Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
The engagements in the state marked a critical step toward building a robust framework for Federal-State cooperation in strategic sectors.
