A delegation of 25 Chinese investors has inspected some areas in Katsina State to explore large-scale agricultural and renewable energy opportunities worth more than $700 million.

The executive secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, A’isha Rimi, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday, shortly after the inspection.

The executive secretary was represented by the NIPC director of strategic services, Abubakar Yerima.

Ms Rimi further explained that the delegation was led by China Overseas Engineering Group, a state-owned Chinese construction conglomerate.

According to her, the investors are interested in establishing a comprehensive agricultural value chain for rice, maize, cassava, and fisheries, as well as a 10,000-head cattle ranch.

She noted that other proposed ventures included agricultural machinery assembly plants and a solar power facility.

Ms Rimi also said, “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.”

The executive secretary highlighted key project proposals in Katsina, including a 2,500-hectare Sabke Dam for maize cultivation to produce livestock feed, and a Dabiram Dam with 380 hectares dedicated to a complete fisheries value chain.

According to her, the investors also proposed a leather processing factory, an agricultural research institute for goat and cattle breeding, and a partnership on a goat breeding centre in the Rimi LGA.

Others, she said, were the Solar Power Products Assembly Plant, the Agricultural Commodities Commercial Centre in Mai’adua, and the PPP with the State Government for a Special Agricultural Processing Zone and Green Economic Zone.

The executive secretary also added that the projects would require about 4,000 hectares of land, with an initial investment commitment of $150 million.

Ms Rimi commended the proactive role of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, noting that the investors were impressed with the level of preparation and presentations received.

The delegates had visited areas in Jibia, Mashi, Daura, Mai’adua, and Kaita local government areas. 

(NAN)