A 25-member delegation of Chinese investors, led by China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC), has visited Katsina State to explore new opportunities in agriculture and renewable energy. The projects, valued at $720 million, highlight Katsina’s growing appeal to international investors.
Key Agricultural and Energy Proposals
The proposed ventures cover rice, maize, cassava, fisheries, a 10,000-head cattle ranch, and solar energy. In addition, the investors plan to establish machinery assembly plants, livestock feed production, and fisheries value chains.
Ms. A’isha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), disclosed this after the site inspection. She was represented by the Director of Strategic Services, Mr. Abubakar Yerima.
According to Rimi, COVEC leads the delegation as a state-owned Chinese construction conglomerate. Moreover, she explained that the investors aim to develop a complete agricultural value chain in Katsina.
Expanding Chinese Commitments in Nigeria
The executive secretary revealed that Chinese investors have already committed $200 million in Niger State. That figure has since increased to $720 million. Meanwhile, similar commitments include $620 million in Jigawa and $500 million in Oyo State.
“If Katsina provides the right opportunities, we expect investments at the same scale,” Rimi noted.
Specific Project Sites in Katsina
Key proposals include:
Sabke Dam (2,500 hectares): maize cultivation for livestock feed.
Dabiram Dam (380 hectares): fisheries value chain development.
Rimi LGA: goat breeding centre and livestock research institute.
Leather Processing Factory to boost agro-industrial output.
Solar Power Assembly Plant and renewable energy ventures.
Agricultural Commodities Centre in Mai’adua.
Special Agricultural Processing Zone and Green Economic Zone through public-private partnership with the Katsina State Government.
Additionally, the projects aim to strengthen Katsina’s role as a hub for agribusiness and renewable energy.
Land and Initial Investment
The projects will require about 4,000 hectares of land, with an initial investment commitment of $150 million. As a result, Katsina could attract one of the largest Chinese-led agricultural investments in northern Nigeria.
