The Kebbi State Government in northern Nigeria is to partner with G-B Foods Africa for the establishment of a N20 billion (about $65.57 million) Tomatoes Processing Factory in Ngaski Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor of Kebbi State, Mr. Atiku Bagudu told journalists after the meeting with the management of the company in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital on Monday that the government had drafted an agreement with the company for the project.
Bagudu, however, explained that the deal would be finalized when the government gives legal backing to GB Foods to cultivate 1,000 hectares of farmland to produce tomatoes as raw materials for the plant.
In his remarks, the Director, Cooperative Affairs and Agricultural Business, Dr. Teddy Ngu, said that G-B Foods would invest an initial fund of $10 million in the project.
“The project has been designed to be the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
The Daily Independent newspaper report quoted the Chairman of the Company, Mr. Francis Ogboro, as saying that the company would subsequently make a total investment of N20 billion in the Tomatoes Processing Factory.
“The company will provide 1,500 jobs to the unemployed youth in the local community on completion,” he said.
He commended Governor Bagudu for his support towards the actualization of the project.
GIK/APA