FG urged to include women, youth in cassava export drive
As Nigeria charts a bold new course to position cassava as a strategic export commodity, food scientist and agribusiness leader, Dr. Tony Bello, has stressed the urgent need for inclusive implementation of the government’s cassava industrialisation agenda.
Following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent declaration at World Cassava Day, which positioned cassava as a driver of economic transformation, Dr. Bello warned against excluding critical stakeholders such as women and youth. He cautioned that without their structured involvement, the new initiative could falter like previous policies.
Dr. Bello, who is Chairman of Shine Bridge Global and initiator of the #CassavaKingdomMovement, commended the Vice President’s vision but called for immediate actions that place women and youth at the centre of the cassava-for-export strategy.
To ensure impact and accountability, he proposed a five-point action plan, including:
- Establishing a Nigeria Cassava Industrialisation Council (NCIC), anchored by public-private collaboration and inclusive representation.
- Prioritising youth-led clusters and women-owned cooperatives.
- Mandating CSR contributions from companies enjoying starch import waivers.
- Facilitating diaspora-local partnerships in technical innovation and compliance.
- Launching a national cassava export dashboard to transparently track progress.
Dr. Bello’s Shine Bridge Global is also set to launch a new suite of cassava-based export products — RootiFufu™, RootiBake™, and RootiBites™ — aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s capability in premium, gluten-free food innovation.
He concluded by urging government and stakeholders to turn policy into practical, inclusive action that delivers jobs, equity, and food-sector competitiveness.
Source- Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Nigeria’s renewed cassava industrialisation drive is timely, but its success hinges on inclusive implementation and structured accountability. Dr. Tony Bello’s intervention reflects deep sectoral insight and lays out a pragmatic framework for ensuring this is not another top-down policy cycle.
- Inclusion is Non-Negotiable
The exclusion of women and youth in past agribusiness interventions has contributed to systemic inequality and underperformance. Embedding them in cassava value chain leadership is essential for inclusive growth. - Diaspora Engagement is a Strategic Advantage
The proposed diaspora-local talent exchange opens a new frontier in agri-industrial collaboration. Tapping into the technical expertise and market knowledge of Nigerian professionals abroad can rapidly enhance product competitiveness. - Policy-to-Practice Execution Is Key
The call for a national cassava export dashboard introduces a practical tool for transparency and result tracking. This is vital to sustain public trust and investment confidence. - Private Sector Anchoring Strengthens Implementation
The suggestion of a Nigeria Cassava Industrialisation Council (NCIC) led by private and public actors provides a viable mechanism to maintain momentum and attract both local and foreign investment. - Product Innovation Drives Market Access
The launch of RootiFufu™ and related cassava products aligns with global demand trends for gluten-free and functional foods, giving Nigeria a chance to lead in niche agri-food segments.
Conclusion
The Vice President’s declaration has created momentum. What happens next — particularly around inclusivity, innovation, and implementation — will determine whether cassava truly becomes Nigeria’s next industrial and export success story.
