The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and investment has inaugurated the National Executive of National Bamboo Farmers, Processor and Marketers Association of Nigeria to boost production.
Mrs Evelyn Ngige Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Trade and investment said this during the inauguration of the association in Abuja .
Ngige said that the ministry in collaboration with relevant stakeholders formed the association in other to sustain the promotion and development of the bamboo value chain.
She said this was so that the organised private sector could contribute to the nation’s economy.
“I encourage the inaugurated officials to continue with the development of Bamboo value chain because the products is in high demand in many parts of the world.
“The objective is to make Nigeria number one exporter of bamboo products .
“Bamboo is mainly used in Nigeria as scaffolding material, fencing, pillars in construction companies, textile, foods and pharmaceuticals production.
“However, in many advanced countries trace elements and steroids are now extracted from bamboo cum, shoot and leaf which also have medical properties. “
Mr Ukeme Nyah, National President of Bamboo Farmers, Processor and Marketers Association of Nigeria, expressed appreciation to the ministry for their encouragement and support
According to Nyah, Bamboo grow naturally in 19 states in Nigeria and has a global trade volume of $68 billion and expected to grow exponentially to $99 billion in 2030
“The potential of bamboo as a major raw materials for the production and manufacturing of products intended for the export market and domestic uses provides a very promising prospect for development.”
Nyah therefore, pledged the readiness of the bamboo association to boost the production for domestic and export markets.