News in brief:
– Premier Seed Nigeria Limited commissioned a cutting-edge seed processing facility in Gombe.
– The project supports food security, climate-smart agriculture, and the State’s drive to become an agro-industrial hub.
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, joined Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to commission a newly constructed ultra-modern Seed Processing Factory by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited. The facility, located within the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadinkowa, is expected to revolutionise seed supply across Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region.
A game changer for Nigerian agriculture
Equipped with cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging certified, high-quality, climate-resilient seed varieties, the factory is poised to help farmers increase yields and withstand climate change shocks.
“Seed is the most indispensable input in agriculture,” Obasanjo remarked during the inauguration. “If you don’t get the seed component right, the entire value chain becomes shaky.”
The former president praised the initiative and emphasised how the proximity of the park to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant makes Gombe ripe for industrial transformation.
Gombe’s agro-industrial ambitions are taking shape
Governor Yahaya described the commissioning as a major step toward fulfilling his administration’s vision of transforming Gombe into a top-tier agro-industrial hub.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position Gombe as a leading agro-industrial hub in Nigeria,” Yahaya stated. “Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, as the pioneer investor in this Industrial Park, is helping us translate our vision into reality.”
He highlighted the state’s ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments, which have made Gombe the top-ranked state for Ease of Doing Business in 2021 and 2022.
Over ₦22 billion invested in industrial park development
According to the Governor, Phase I of the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is already attracting significant investments.
“The Park is fully equipped with roads, electricity, water, internet connectivity, and other key infrastructure,” he said. “Over ₦22 billion has been invested so far, with 85% of the park’s infrastructure already completed.”
Yahaya also pointed to the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone in progress, which will house an International Grains and Livestock Market, a modern abattoir, an inland dry port, and an integrated agro-processing corridor.
“We are not just commissioning a building, we are unlocking opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, and long-term economic transformation. Gombe State is open for business,” the governor declared.
Premier Seed, Propcom+ partnership powering climate-smart agriculture
Managing Director of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, revealed that the factory was developed in partnership with Propcom+, a UK-funded programme promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Dr. Abiye Ode, Country Director of Propcom+, hailed the project as a significant contribution to President Bola Tinubu’s 12-point food security agenda and Gombe’s agricultural development strategy.
Regulatory oversight to ensure quality standards
Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Mr. Futuhu Mohammed, pledged the council’s continued oversight to ensure seeds processed at the facility meet national standards.
“This factory aligns with our broader goal to make agriculture a major employer and economic driver,” he said.
Gombe’s Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, reiterated the government’s commitment to making the state Nigeria’s next industrial hotspot.
“With over ₦22 billion already invested and strong infrastructure in place, Gombe is ready to host Nigeria’s next wave of industrial investors,” Aliyu noted.
