Niger State Government has signed a $2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish company, Direkci Group, for the off-taking of soya beans in the state.
The agreement was signed at the Government House Minna, by Governor Umaru Bago, officials of Direkci Group, and other top government functionaries.
The 10-year partnership, which will cost $200 million per year and $2 billion for the 10-year 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.
In his remarks, Governor Bago described the agreement as a game-changer and appreciated the Turkish Government for the willingness to invest in Niger State.
According to him, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State, and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boosting food security.”
He explained that, going forward, the state government is equally willing to partner with Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.
The Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, disclosed that the Turkish firm will off-take 500,000 tonnes of soya beans each year, for 10-year that the agreement will last.
He said the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds and fertilisers, ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce.
Adigun further revealed 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.
He added that the group will also establish a total of 2.5 million chicken production poultry facility including eggs and feed mills production in two phases.
In addition, Adigun said the Company would establish 30,000 hectares of soya beans farms with irrigation systems in Adunu, Paikoro local government area of the state.
He announced that, already, the Group has ordered the first chicken House for 500,000 chickens and would be ready in 6 months time, while 2,000 green houses are already being shipped as the group is also to provide $50million as direct support to farmers.
The agreement according to Sammy also include the Turkish Government which will be providing security to protect the investments.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of Direkci Group, Nurullah Mehmet who said the firm, has a long-time record of excellence across the world, especially in agriculture, emphasized that Niger State is very significant in terms of agriculture in Nigeria.
He, therefore, commended the vision of the state governor, in boosting agricultural activities in the state, adding that the partnership will be of great benefit to the state and the country at large.
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