December 14, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has disclosed plans to establish a bamboo processing factory in Karara, Kogi State.
Minister of Environment, Balarebe Lawal, who disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2023 World Bamboo Day in Abuja, said the facility aims to amplify the production of various bamboo-based commodities, including toothpicks and other related products.
Lawal underscored the multifaceted benefits of bamboo utilization in the country, emphasising its role in environmental preservation, ecosystem conservation, climate change mitigation, and employment generation.
“Bamboo not only plays a crucial role in combating climate change, but it also offers opportunities for economic growth and poverty alleviation,” he said.
In alignment with the government’s Hope Agenda, Lawal emphasised the Ministry’s collaboration with local and international partners, including the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR).
This partnership aims to foster the development of bamboo and rattan sectors in Nigeria, focusing on augmenting forest and ecosystem conservation, livelihood enhancement, market access, and overall value chain development.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Lawrence Adigwe, emphasised that the event served as a platform to unveil and celebrate the substantial achievements of bamboo as a valuable resource.
On his part, General Secretary of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Gene Zhang, pledged China’s support for Nigeria to bolster the bamboo industry’s development.
