Business
NGO Pledges To Sustain Bamboo Production In Nigeria
ANon-Governmental Organisation, the African Network on Bamboo and Rattan (ANBAR), has promised to sustain the production of bamboo trees in the country.
The President of the network, Alhaji Bello Dogon-Daji, made the pledge in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that the need to sustain the production of the tree became necessary because of its uniqueness, as a viable economic tree that would contribute to the nation’s economic development.
“We are talking about a product that can boost our economy, create employment and integrity for the producers,” he said.
According to him, the stakeholders are all out to make sure that the project succeeds for the country, to enable Nigerians benefit from its production, just like what obtains in China, India and Ghana.
Dogon-Daji, however, called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the Chinese Government to develop the bamboo industry in Nigeria to international standard.
He said that China had been generating a lot of revenue from the sales of bamboo products, creating market outlets for them, as well as creating job opportunities for its people.
The NGO boss said that Nigeria had the wherewithal, including funds, fertile land and human resources, to develop the bamboo industry to enviable standard.
“With its fertile land and political will, Nigeria has all it takes to go into bamboo production,” Dagon-Daji further said.
He said that bamboo and rattan could be used in the production of a wide variety of products, including fiberboard, furniture, paper pulp and food, among others.
He called on stakeholders in bamboo production in Nigeria to be focused to achieve sect transformation in such an economic endeavor.
“Nigeria can generate more than N1 billion annually from bamboo products,” Dogon-Daji said.
He, however, said that “the development of bamboo and rattan will require the inputs and cooperation of researchers, managers, policy makers, development partners and other users of the products to succeed”.
Speaking on the applicability of the product in the Nigerian weather, Mr Yemi Dawoud, a Soil Scientist, said that the production of bamboo would not pose any problem.
He said, “What obtained in India, Ghana and some parts of China, where bamboo is grown, is virtually the same with Nigeria.
“It is applicable, but it should be in the riverine areas of the country where there is sufficient rainfall to water it as it requires plenty of rainfall.”
Dawoud advised the growers of the product to avoid arid zones for them to record bumper harvest.
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
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