Rubber producing governors charged to take advantage of World Rubber Summit

Governors of natural rubber-producing states, especially in the southern part of Nigeria, regarded as a bastion of the cash crop, have been urged to take advantage of the arrival of investors and international rubber experts for the World Rubber Summit.

The event is slated to be held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja at the end of the month, where President Bola Tinubu is to formally declare the three-day conference open.

Minister of Industries, Trade, and Investments, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, who is the chief host, has emphasized the economic importance of the subsector and why the rubber-producing governors and their key rubber players should attend.

She said the federal government secured the hosting rights because the rubber industry is of critical importance to the country’s economic mainstay.

In his statement, the national vice president of the National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMAN) for the South-South, Usen Umoh, also appealed to governors in the region, which is regarded as the bastion of rubber production, to ensure participation.

Advertisement

He said, “This summit presents an unparalleled opportunity to rejuvenate the rubber industry, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress within the South-South region.

“By engaging in this summit, our states can attract investments, boost local economies, and create jobs.”

He disclosed that rubber is a vital cash crop with significant export potential, revealing that global leaders and industry experts will provide invaluable insights into the latest advancements and opportunities in the rubber sector.

Umoh listed key advantages, saying rubber plantations contribute to carbon sequestration, which enables them to combat climate change and promote ecological balance.

He maintained that participation in the summit will enable producing states to adopt sustainable practices and enhance their commitment to environmental conservation.

In view of the harsh times, Umoh called for the revitalisation of the rubber industry to improve the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and their families.