Niger State Government has entered partnership with Direkci Group, a company from Turkey for the production and off taking of Soya beans in the state for 10 years by the company valued at $2 billion.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago stated this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim in Minna.
He said, ” the 10-year partnership, which will cost $200 million per year and $2 billion for the 10 years period, is under the Niger Foods, and is expected to boost agriculture in the State, create job opportunities and improve the economic status of local farmers”.
The governor described the collaboration as a game-changer for the state, adding that, “we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security in the state and the country in general “.
While appreciating the Turkish Government for the willingness to invest in the state, the governor explained that the state government is equally willing to partner with Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.
He explained that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) has been done by the Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, who disclosed that the Turkish firm Direkci Group, will off-take 500,000 tonnes of soya bean each year for 10 years that the agreement will last.
According to Adigun, “the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds, fertilizers and ensure guaranteed market for their produce”.
The chairman explained that the Turkish firm is also investing in a 100,000 hectare Green House project with cold chain facility at the agro processing Zone with an annual output of about 160,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and pepper among others.
“The group will also established a total of 2.5 million chicken production poultry facility including egg and feed mills production in two phases. In addition, the Company would establish 30,000 hectares of soya beans farms with irrigation systems in Adunu, Paikoro local government area of the State”.
