Maize farmers from the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Ogun State Chapter, have urged the federal government to revive aggregation centres to promote sustainable rural development across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country. They also call on state governors to implement tax holidays for farmers.
At a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, MAAN’s state chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Kokumo, state secretary, Mr. Jimoh Oyerogba, and national youth leader, Mr. Nurayn Abiola, explained that aggregation centres would act as hubs where agricultural produce, resources, and knowledge converge, driving economic growth and promoting self-sufficiency in rural areas. They believe these centres will help farmers increase production and profitability.
Mr. Kokumo emphasized that aggregation centres would facilitate rural development by connecting isolated communities with broader markets, enhancing price control, market access, and economic empowerment. They would also reduce poverty and foster sustainable development.
In addition to supporting traditional agribusiness, these centres are expected to promote women-oriented social and economic activities, improve dietary diversity, boost the local economy, and reduce community tensions. They will also help local producers and retailers with smoother transactions.
Mr. Nurayn Abiola, MAAN’s National Youth Leader-South, noted that aggregation centres would enable the government to establish an economically viable minimum price regime for farmers’ produce, encouraging continuous cultivation and ensuring food security. This would also help manage excess produce, minimizing post-harvest losses.
Agronomist and president of the PEAKOF cluster, Olukayode Olaitan, highlighted that the lack of crop aggregation centres has led to significant price fluctuations and financial losses for farmers, which discourages future planting and contributes to food insecurity. He called on the federal government to provide proper orientation, follow-up schemes, and supervision for these centres once they are revived.
