Nasarawa State is set to become a powerhouse in cassava production with the groundbreaking ceremony for a colossal N30 billion Cassava Industrial City. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Governor Abdullahi Sule, marks a significant leap in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency and value addition in the agricultural sector. It’s not just about farming anymore; it’s about creating a full-blown industrial hub right at the grassroots!
Here’s what makes this cassava city a game-changer:
- A massive N30 billion investment in agro-industrialization.
- Nigeria’s largest cassava industrial city, located in Kokona LGA.
- A complete value chain: from farming to high-value products.
- Significant focus on empowering women in the host community.
- Aligns perfectly with national economic development goals.
From Farm to Factory: A Revolution in the Making
Governor Abdullahi Sule officially kicked off the construction of this massive N30 billion Cassava Industrial City in Kokona Local Government Area. This isn’t just another project; it’s a bold statement of intent. Just days after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting focused on grassroots development, Nasarawa is already showing the nation how it’s done. They are turning resolutions into real, tangible progress!
More Than Just Cassava: The Integrated Value Chain
This isn’t your average cassava farm. Sequoia Farm Limited is behind this integrated behemoth, designed to cover every step of the process. We’re talking about:
- Cultivation: The first phase alone aims to cultivate 500 hectares, with a fantastic 80% of the opportunities reserved for women from the local community. Talk about grassroots empowerment!
- Processing: Imagine state-of-the-art facilities turning raw cassava into valuable products.
- High-Value Products: This city will churn out ethanol, starch, high-quality cassava flour, and even animal feed. Plus, they’re looking into bio-energy production!
The vision is a five-year investment cycle, running from 2025 to 2030, ensuring sustainable growth and development.
Alignment with National Goals: Renewed Hope in Action
Governor Sule emphasized that this project is a direct response to the national call for increasing domestic processing and adding value to our raw materials. “The whole idea from the NEC conference is about developing the ward. Today, we are not just talking about a ward. We are talking about a village. By the time we have this project—the biggest cassava industrial city in Nigeria—then we have developed this area in the sector of cassava,” he stated.
This initiative is a practical step towards ending the export of unprocessed raw materials, a key objective for Nigeria’s economic resurgence. It’s about creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and ensuring that Nigeria reaps the full benefits of its agricultural wealth.
Community is Key: Security and Sustainability
Governor Sule wisely pointed out the importance of community buy-in for the project’s success. He urged investors to foster strong relationships with the local community, highlighting that genuine local support is the strongest form of security. “Once the community buys into this project, you are one hundred percent secured,” he advised. The governor pledged to personally monitor the relationship between the company and the host community to ensure fairness and mutual benefit.
Beyond Cassava: A Hub for Agro-Innovation
And the good news doesn’t stop with cassava! Governor Sule also revealed that another group of international investors from India are eyeing 10,000 hectares in the Toto and Akwanga-Kokona areas for a cashew value chain project. This signals Nasarawa’s growing reputation as a prime destination for agro-industrial investment.
The Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, lauded the governor’s commitment, stating, “Development does not happen by accident. His Excellency has matched words with action. Before his coming, raw materials from Nasarawa left without value addition. Today, we are changing that.”
Future Outlook
With projects like this, Governor Sule, who is slated to receive an award as Industrial Governor of Northern Nigeria, is setting a precedent. His motivation isn’t just about the present but about building a sustainable future where local youths can acquire the skills to operate and maintain advanced processing equipment. “I may not be the governor by then. But I will be the happiest person if I am still alive to come back here and witness that development,” he shared, his eyes gleaming with the vision of a transformed Nasarawa.
The President of the National Cassava Growers Association, Dr. Mustapha Bakano, couldn’t agree more, calling the Kokona initiative the first of its kind in the country. The local traditional ruler, the Abaga Tony of Kokona LGA, HRH Mr. Lawrence Ayih JP, also expressed gratitude for the governor’s intervention, which has resolved past delays and restored confidence.
This N30 billion cassava industrial city is more than just infrastructure; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to visionary leadership, and a significant stride towards a more prosperous and industrialized Nigeria. We can’t wait to see this project blossom!
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