Palm Pantations: SIAT Seeks Govt’s Support Against Tresspassers

L-R: Programme Manager, Department for International Development (DFID) in Nigeria, Mr Peters Ugwuoke, Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, Head of DFID office in Nigeria, Mr Ben Mellor and the South-West Regional Coordinator, DFID, Mr Sina Fagbenro-byron, during Mellor’s visit to Governor Ambode in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Management of Siat Nigeria Limited (former Risonpalm) is seeking the support of the Rivers State Government and Security Agencies to check the activities of criminals on its Ubima and Elele Palm Plantations.
The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Henk Zwinderman who said this in an interview with newsmen during the visit of the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture Mrs Onimim Jack, to the company, stressed the need for government to assist the company in fencing of its plantations.
The Chief Operating Officer also said that the activities of some criminals who are daily stealing their palm fruits are slowly grounding the activities of the company.
He said that the company which started operations four years ago, has provided some social amenities to its host communities, stressing that schools have been rehabilitated while electricity has been provided to Egbu and Ihie communities all in Etche LGA.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has pledged to encourage private investors in Agricultural sector.
The commissioner said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after an inspection of Siat Nigeria Limited at Ubima and Elele.
Jacks said that the State Government would support private investors in all the sectors of Agriculture from zero to the upper levels, adding that it was part of the government policies to use Agriculture to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth of the state.
She commended the management of Siat Nigeria Limited for the good work it is doing and urged for it to be sustained.