PRESS RELEASES

U.S. Ambassador Leads Delegation to Taraba State to Enhance Agricultural Partnership

November 14, 2008
Abuja, Nigeria

U.S. Ambassador Sanders with Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai inspect a Tea Factory | Full size

U.S. Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders led a delegation of U.S. Government and the U.S. World Cocoa Foundation officials to Jalingo, Taraba State for a practical capacity building program entitled, "Enhancing U.S.-Nigeria Agricultural Partnerships: AGOA and Beyond."  The program is part of a public-private partnership with Bank of Industry (BOI).  The November 14 program covered a variety of topics ranging from agricultural financing resources to the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, which eliminates import tariffs on 6,000 goods entering the United States from Africa, which Nigeria can take advantage of.

"The U.S. Mission and its partners are here today, at the request of the government of Taraba State, to lay out a road map for farmers and other agricultural producers that will help them build the capacity they need to expand into the U.S. export market.  This agricultural partnership between the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, BOI, and the government and people of Taraba State is a natural fit, given that an estimated 80 per cent of the people of this state are involved in agriculture," Ambassador Sanders said.

While in Jalingo, the Ambassador also accompanied the Governor of Taraba State, Honorable Danbaba Suntai, on a tour of the Highland Tea farm and factory to showcase one of the state's most successful agricultural enterprises.  She also paid a courtesy to the Emir of Muri, who received her at the Emir's Palace. 

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The Ambassador's speech and other relevant information about U.S. policies and programs in Nigeria can be found on our website: http://nigeria.usembassy.gov.