A group of 25 Chinese investors, headed by China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC), recently completed a site inspection tour across Katsina State as they explore opportunities to invest approximately $720 million in agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
According to Ms. A’isha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), who shared the update in Katsina on Monday, the visiting delegation’s interests encompass a comprehensive agricultural value chain. Their prospective undertakings include cultivation of rice, maize, cassava, fisheries development, and a large-scale cattle ranch housing 10,000 heads. Additionally, plans extend to agricultural engineering with machinery assembly plants and a solar energy facility.
Ms. Rimi stated that the investors have previously allocated $200 million to projects in Niger State, which has since expanded to a $720 million commitment, alongside sizable investments announced recently in Jigawa and Oyo states. If suitable prospects are found within Katsina, a similar scale of investment is anticipated.
The delegation’s project proposals include development on 4,000 hectares of land covering several strategic locations such as Sabke Dam for maize farming to support livestock feed production, Dabiram Dam aimed at fostering a complete fisheries ecosystem, a leather processing factory, and livestock breeding research centres focusing on goats and cattle. Other endeavors under consideration are a solar product assembly plant, a commercial centre for agricultural commodities, and a collaborative public-private partnership with the state government to establish a Special Agricultural Processing Zone and Green Economic Zone.
The investors conducted thorough site visits covering multiple local government areas, including Jibia, Mashi, Daura, Mai’adua, and Kaita. They praised the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency for its meticulous preparations and presentations, which evidently enhanced investor confidence.
COVEC, a subsidiary firm of China Railway Group Limited, is well-regarded for its extensive international infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and power plants across nearly 100 countries, with a particular focus on development in Africa.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has expressed strong support for these engagements, assuring the visiting delegation of his administration’s readiness to facilitate the successful implementation of these transformative programmes. The hope is that such large-scale investments will stimulate job creation, enhance food security, and elevate the standard of living for Katsina’s population.
