By Bala Dauda Damaturu
The Yobe Government is making a frantic effort to attract Singaporean investment into its sesame production, processing and export as part of efforts to boost agro-industrial development and economic diversification.
The Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, disclosed this in Damaturu, while receiving a delegation from Valency Agro-Nigeria Limited, an agribusiness company with its corporate headquarters in Singapore.
Our correspondent reports that the delegation, led by the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Amit Bose, visited the state after two days of technical engagements with government officials and inspections of the state’s sesame processing and packaging facilities.
Goje said the administration of Gov. Mai Mala Buni had prioritised agriculture as a catalyst for economic diversification, food security, industrialisation and sustainable wealth creation.
He assured the investors of the government’s commitment to providing a transparent, business-friendly environment capable of supporting genuine investments.
The acting SSG urged the company to extend its interest beyond sesame processing to other agricultural and industrial value chains where the state has comparative advantages.
He highlighted strategic investments already undertaken by the government, including sesame processing and packaging facilities, road infrastructure and the state’s Cargo International Airport, which he said would facilitate the export of agricultural commodities to regional and international markets.
Goje expressed optimism that the proposed partnership would strengthen value addition, increase export earnings, attract private sector investments and create sustainable employment opportunities for residents.
In his remarks, Bose said the company was encouraged to visit Yobe following reports that the state produced some of Nigeria’s finest sesame seeds.
He said the visit enabled the delegation to assess the state’s agricultural potential and identify areas of mutual interest for long-term investment.
The official said the company’s immediate interest was to partner with the Yobe State Government in operating the sesame seed processing and packaging plants already established by the government in various locations.
Bose said the delegation was impressed by the level of investment already made by the state government in developing agricultural value chains.
“The infrastructure we have seen demonstrates the government’s commitment to agro-industrial development.
“The next important step is to undertake detailed feasibility studies, after which we will be in a position to make our final investment decision,” he said.
He added that the company was also exploring opportunities to collaborate with the state in the supply of modern agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, crushers and other mechanised equipment to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, such a partnership would unlock opportunities for investment, value addition, export expansion and job creation
The state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Solid Minerals, Alhaji Kaigama Umar, described the discussions with the investors as productive and forward-looking.
He said the engagements centred on agricultural processing, industrial development, commodity exports and public-private partnerships.
Umar expressed optimism that the ongoing negotiations would culminate in significant investments capable of stimulating economic activities, creating jobs and strengthening Yobe’s position as a major agricultural investment destination in Nigeria.