The Katsina State government has signed an MoU with Kano-based Al-Hikma Fertiliser and Chemicals Ltd. to establish a N2 billion agro-allied processing plant.

The project will be located in the Batagarawa and Rimi Local Government Areas of the state.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday in Katsina by Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, director-general of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, and the company’s managing director, Bashir Ahmad.

Speaking after the signing, Mr Tukur-Jikamshi said the government allocated 150 hectares at Tashar-Bala and Rimin-Kaura for the project.

He recalled the inauguration of a technical committee on the Framework for Responsible Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILLIA).

“FRILLIA ensures inclusivity when investors require large-scale farmland belonging to local farmers.
“The framework respects citizens’ lives, land ownership, homes, social well-being, and historical antecedents,” Mr Tukur-Jikamshi said.

He said the governor had signed an executive order to strengthen the implementation of the framework.
Mr Tukur-Jikamshi disclosed that land compensation had been settled, some residents would be resettled, and infrastructure would be provided along the eastern bypass.

He said local government authorities and traditional rulers were consulted and had accepted the project’s benefits.

In his remarks, Mr Ahmad said the company already operates in the Funtua, Bakori, and Sabuwa Local Government Areas.

He said Al-Hikma produces NPK fertiliser, organic fertiliser, and undertakes seed production and packaging.
“We support farmers with inputs and receive repayment through farm produce after harvest.

“We plan to extend operations and invest about N2 billion in the new areas,” he said.

Mr Ahmad said the project is expected to commence by 2026.
(NAN)