The Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) and Amisec Industrial Company have entered into a partnership to develop AgroCity Doma, an agricultural and industrial initiative that aims to transform the Doma Dam Irrigation Area in Nasarawa State.
This first phase of the project, valued at N5 billion, will focus on organic sesame production, processing, and export, while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
Under the agreement, LBRBDA will provide 1,000 hectares of irrigated land with access to water from the Doma Dam. In turn, Amisec will take the lead in investment, infrastructure development, and farm management. The project is expected to serve as a model for efficient land use and value-added agriculture in Nigeria.
The development will include a large mechanised farm, powered irrigation systems for consistent water supply, a sesame processing plant capable of handling 10 metric tonnes per hour, agroforestry buffers, and rural infrastructure.
Additionally, an outgrower programme will involve over 1,000 local farmers, offering them the opportunity to participate in the project.
Once operational, AgroCity Doma is expected to generate an annual revenue of up to $7 million (N10.8 billion) from sesame sales. It will also create more than 500 direct jobs and an estimated 2,000 indirect jobs along the supply chain.
The project is set to begin farming activities during the next rainy season, while construction of infrastructure and processing facilities will continue. Full operations, including processing and export, are expected to commence by the first quarter of 2027.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of LBRBDA, Engr. Tersee Ninga, highlighted that the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “This collaboration shows our commitment to better utilizing the irrigation resources available, increasing food production, creating jobs, and advancing agro-industrial development,” he said.
Abdulmuttalib Mohammad, the CEO of Amisec Industrial Company, expressed that the company’s N5 billion investment in the first phase is aimed at establishing a comprehensive organic sesame value chain. “We are focused on creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both local farmers and communities. Additionally, we are positioning Nigeria to become a significant player in the global organic sesame market, which is valued at over $4 billion,” he explained.
