Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State officially launched the N30 billion Cassava Industrial City project in Kokona Local Government Area on Wednesday. This development marks a significant stride in the state’s pursuit of agro- industrial growth.
The project's commencement follows closely after the National Economic Council (NEC) conference on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Planning, positioning Nasarawa as one of the leading states to implement the council's resolutions on grassroots economic advancement.
During the ceremony attended by traditional rulers, landowners, and financial partners, Governor Sule highlighted that the initiative supports the national ambition to enhance domestic processing and increase the value of raw agricultural products.
He stated, “The core objective stemming from the NEC conference is the development of the ward. Today, our focus extends beyond a ward to an entire village. With the establishment of this facility, which will be the largest cassava industrial city in Nigeria, we are set to transform this area through cassava production.”
Sequoia Farm Limited is spearheading the industrial city, which is envisioned as a comprehensive value chain operation encompassing cultivation, processing, and the production of ethanol, starch, premium cassava flour, animal feed, and bio-energy.
The first phase of the five-year investment plan, spanning from 2025 to 2030, will involve cultivating 500 hectares through an outgrower system. Notably, 80 percent of participation in this phase will be allocated to women from the local community.
Governor Sule emphasized the importance of robust community engagement for the investors, asserting that local backing provides the most reliable form of security.
“Securing the community’s buy-in guarantees one hundred percent security for the project,” he affirmed, pledging to oversee the relationship between the company and the host community to ensure equitable dealings.
He further revealed that a separate group of investors from India is currently examining 10,000 hectares in Toto, Nasarawa, and the Akwanga-Kokona region for a cashew value chain initiative. Governor Sule sees both projects as direct responses to the NEC's call for an end to the export of unprocessed raw materials.
Governor Sule, who is slated to receive an award as the Industrial Governor of Northern Nigeria, expressed his primary aspiration as equipping local youths with the skills needed to operate and maintain sophisticated processing machinery.
“Even if I am no longer the governor then, I will be immensely pleased if I am still alive to witness this development firsthand,” he added.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Managing Director and CEO of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), attributed the project to the governor's strategic economic vision.
“Development does not occur by chance. His Excellency has demonstrated his commitment through concrete actions. Prior to his administration, raw materials from Nasarawa were exported without added value. We are now changing that narrative,” he commented.
Cheta Udezue, the Chief Executive of Sequoia Farm Limited, credited the state government’s investment in infrastructure and supportive policies for making the project feasible, noting that the access road to the site was previously inaccessible.
Dr. Mustapha Bakano, President of the National Cassava Growers Association, recognized the Kokona project as the nation's first 10,000-hectare cassava industrial city and commended the governor’s perseverance.
The Abaga Tony of Kokona LGA, HRH Mr. Lawrence Ayih JP, extended his gratitude to the governor for resolving issues that had previously hindered the project, stating that the intervention restored peace and confidence in the area.
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