The government of Yobe will spend N73.8 million to reactivate the state fertiliser blending plant in Gujiba, following Governor Mai Mala-Buni’s approval, commerce and industry commissioner, Barma Shettima told NAN in Damaturu on Friday.

Mr. Shettima said the approval followed the signing of a contract  between the government  and Basewatch Concept Nigeria Ltd., for the resuscitation of the plant on November 18, in Damaturu.

The commissioner said reviving the plant would help create jobs for youths in the state as well as save billions of naira expended on fertiliser importation annually.

“The company is capable of producing fertiliser at affordable rate to meet the demands of our farmers and those in other states,” he said. “It will also enable the state to key into the Federal Government’s Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) aimed at growing the economy through production of NPK 20-20 fertiliser using locally sourced materials.”

“By keying into the initiative, the state stands to generate more revenue for development projects,” he said.

Mr. commended the governor for the approval and urged the contractor to speed up the work.

NAN