The Katsina State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kano-based Al-Hikma Fertiliser and Chemicals Ltd. to establish a £2 billion agro-allied processing plant.
The project will be situated in the Batagarawa and Rimi Local Government Areas of the state.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday in Katsina by Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, Director-General of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, and the company’s Managing Director, Bashir Ahmad.
Following the signing, Mr Tukur-Jikamshi stated that the government has allocated 150 hectares at Tashar-Bala and Rimin-Kaura for the project.
He recalled the inauguration of a technical committee on the Framework for Responsible Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILLIA).
“FRILLIA ensures inclusivity when investors require large-scale farmland belonging to local farmers. The framework respects citizens’ lives, land ownership, homes, social well-being, and historical contexts,” Mr Tukur-Jikamshi explained.
He added that the governor has signed an executive order to strengthen the implementation of the framework. Mr Tukur-Jikamshi noted that land compensation has been settled, some residents will be resettled, and infrastructure will be provided along the eastern bypass.
He stated that local government authorities and traditional rulers were consulted and have accepted the benefits of the project.
In his remarks, Mr Ahmad mentioned that the company already operates in the Funtua, Bakori, and Sabuwa Local Government Areas.
He indicated that Al-Hikma produces NPK fertiliser, organic fertiliser, and engages in seed production and packaging. “We support farmers with inputs and receive repayment through farm produce after harvest. We plan to extend operations and invest approximately £2 billion in the new areas,” he said.
Mr Ahmad anticipated that the project would commence by 2026.
(NAN)
