Niger State Government has signed a multi-million dollar agreement with the world’s second-largest irrigation Company REINKE Company for agric business.
The agreement which was signed at the Government House Minna, was for the execution of projects at the Minna Airport City Free Processing Zone and Lavun Local Government area.
At the Free Processing Zone, an Irrigation system and meat factory will be set up while a sugar plantation will be at Batati Community in Lavun Local Government Area.
According to the agreement, the Niger State government will provide land and enabling environment among others while the irrigation Company would provide the farming equipment.
The projects would have financial support of 196 million dollars from the United States (US) EXIM Bank.
The Chairman, Niger Foods Limited Sammy Adigun signed on behalf of the Niger State Government while the international Sales Manager for REINKE Company, Dirk Monk signed for the Company.
The Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago described the agreement as phenomenal and reiterated his administration’s determination to completely revamp the Agricultural sector for food security, jobs, and wealth creation in the State.
The Farmer Governor expressed delight that his numerous travels to woo investors to the State are already manifesting positively, adding that more agricultural initiatives are coming including livestock and aquaculture.
The International Technical Sales Manager REINKE Company, Mr. Dirk Monk explained that out of the 196 million dollars in support from US EXIM Bank, about 80 million dollars was projected to go into both the Niger State economy in particular and Nigeria at large for local jobs and products.
While appreciating the Farmer Governor for his noble ideas in revamping the agricultural sector in the State, Mr Monk assured that farmers will be trained on the modern way of using agricultural equipment for effective results.
The Managing Director, of American West African Agro Limited, Jerry Cunningham who is also the facilitator of the contract, disclosed that 15,500 hectares will be for the irrigation system where Corn, Soybeans, and cow meat are processed while the Sugar plantation will be on 7,400 hectares of land.
He also disclosed plans to support small-scale farmers with farm equipment to start farming on a commercial scale to ensure all-year-round farming.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Niger Food Security System and Logistics Company, Sammy Adigun said the agreement was a breakthrough to the agricultural revolution of the Farmer Governor and that the State will benefit immensely from the deal.
Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
09/03/2024.
