A delegation of 25 Chinese investors has toured key locations in Katsina State to explore large-scale agricultural and renewable energy projects valued at over $700 million.
The visit was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), A’isha Rimi, on Monday in Katsina. She was represented by the NIPC Director of Strategic Services, Abubakar Yerima.
Ms. Rimi said the investors, led by the China Overseas Engineering Group, a state-owned conglomerate, were particularly interested in developing a comprehensive agricultural value chain for rice, maize, cassava, and fisheries, alongside a proposed 10,000-head cattle ranch.
She explained that other ventures under consideration include agricultural machinery assembly plants and a solar power facility.
“With NIPC facilitation, they have already committed $200 million in Niger State, which has now been expanded to $720 million. They also recently announced $620 million in Jigawa and $500 million in Oyo state.
“ If they find the right opportunities here in Katsina, we are looking at a similar level of investment,” she said.
According to the NIPC boss, key proposals in Katsina include the utilisation of the 2,500-hectare Sabke Dam for maize cultivation to produce livestock feed, and the Dabiram Dam with 380 hectares dedicated to a complete fisheries value chain.
The investors also expressed interest in establishing a leather processing factory, an agricultural research institute for goat and cattle breeding, and a partnership on a goat breeding centre in Rimi LGA.
Other proposed initiatives include a Solar Power Products Assembly Plant, an Agricultural Commodities Commercial Centre in Mai’adua, and a Special Agricultural Processing Zone and Green Economic Zone under a public-private partnership with the state government.
Ms. Rimi added that the projects would require about 4,000 hectares of land, with an initial investment commitment of $150 million.
She commended the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency for its proactive efforts, saying the delegation was impressed by the level of preparation and presentations.
The Chinese investors inspected project sites in Jibia, Mashi, Daura, Mai’adua, and Kaita Local Government Areas.
