A team of 25 Chinese investors visited Katsina State to assess prospects for multi-million-dollar projects in agriculture and renewable energy valued at over $700 million.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms. A’isha Rimi, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday, shortly after the inspection.
She explained that the delegation was led by China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC), a state-owned construction conglomerate from China.
According to her, the investors are interested in establishing complete agricultural value chains for rice, maize, cassava, and fisheries, alongside a 10,000-head cattle ranch.
She noted that other proposed ventures included agricultural machinery assembly plants and a solar power facility.
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 similar level of investment.”
The executive secretary highlighted key project proposals in Katsina, including a 2,500-hectare Sabke Dam project for maize cultivation to produce livestock feed, and Dabiram Dam with 380 hectares for 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 collaboration on a Goat Breeding Centre at Rimi Local Government Area.
Other proposed projects include a Solar Power Products Assembly Plant, an Agricultural Commodities Commercial Centre in Mai’adua, and a Public-Private Partnership with the State Government for a Special Agricultural Processing Zone and Green Economic Zone.
The projects, she added, would require about 4,000 hectares of land, with an initial investment commitment of $150 million.
Rimi praised the contributions of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, saying its efforts created a favourable environment for investors.
The visiting delegation also toured Jibia, Mashi, Daura, Mai’adua, and Kaita Local Government Areas as part of its preliminary assessment.