By Mustapha Jallow
Gambian president Adama Barrow on Tuesday said his government together with development partners are committed to processing locally produced groundnut into oil and cake—to help reduce dependency on imported oil.
“The Gambia has been engaging in agriculture since the colonial time. But our cash crop is groundnut. When we purchase these groundnuts, we export them raw, it doesn’t add value. If you don’t add value… you don’t compete—you are a liability,’’ he explained.
He added: “This is why my government and the national development plan decided to change the narrative. We have to process whatever we produce in this country. That’s why we are building a plant to process the groundnuts to have good oil and also cake. So, we can get maximum out of what we are producing.’’
Barrow made these remarks during his visit to the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), formerly known as GGC, to gain firsthand insight into the facility’s operations.
“We are spending on oil imports. Basically, every day Gambians eat oil but those oils are not produced in the Gambia. We have the capacity to produce, so that is why my government is committed to producing local oil for the citizens,’’ he says.
Barrow expressed optimism that the new plan would address key issues gripping the nation, noting that the visit underscores his government’s commitment to national development. His emphasis on increasing local processing and reducing the dependency on oil imports shows a broader vision for self-sufficiency.
He further highlights the significant losses incurred during the exportation of groundnuts, despite their being a major cash crop. He stressed the necessity for the country to process its raw materials to enhance economic stability and reduce reliance on oil imports, which cost millions of dalasis and contribute to inflation.
Meanwhile, President Barrow with his delegation of cabinet ministers and advisers was warmly welcomed by GGC officials, followed by a comprehensive tour of the facility. He therefore called on project officials to expedite work to ensure the successful realization of this mega project, reinforcing his administration’s focus on development and economic growth.
Muhammed Njie, Managing Director of NFSPMC, remarked that the President’s visit signifies the government’s dedication to improving food production in the country.
Islam Haj, the Resident Engineer of Pan Arab Consulting Engineers (PACE), updated President Barrow and his team about the effectiveness and success of the work.
However, President Barrow later proceeded to lay the foundation stone together with cabinet ministers and GGC officials for a new office complex for GCC inside the Corporation.
The project, according to officials, is funded by the Islamic Development Bank through a loan. When it starts operational, it will process more than 300 tons per day of nuts.
