A delegation of 25 Chinese investors, led by the China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC), has shown strong interest in launching agricultural and renewable energy projects worth $720 million in Katsina State.
During site visits on Monday, the investors explored potential areas for initiatives spanning rice, maize, cassava, fisheries, cattle ranching, and solar energy production. The move is part of broader plans to expand their operations in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Executive Secretary Ms. A’isha Rimi highlighted that the investment reflects growing foreign confidence in Katsina’s economic potential. She was represented by Mr. Abubakar Yerima, the Commission’s Director of Strategic Services.
“The delegation is looking to establish a full agricultural value chain here, including large-scale crop production, fisheries, and a 10,000-head cattle ranch, alongside renewable energy projects,” Rimi stated.
According to Rimi, COVEC has already invested $200 million in Niger State, with additional commitments of $620 million in Jigawa and $500 million in Oyo. She emphasized that a similar scale of investment could be realized in Katsina if the opportunities align.
The proposed projects include 2,500 hectares at Sabke Dam for maize and livestock feed production, 380 hectares at Dabiram Dam for fisheries development, a Leather Processing Factory and Agricultural Research Institute focused on goat and cattle breeding, a Goat Breeding Centre in Rimi Local Government Area, a Solar Power Products Assembly Plant and Agricultural Commodities Commercial Centre in Mai’adua, and the establishment of a Special Agricultural Processing Zone and Green Economic Zone through a Public-Private Partnership with the state government.
The total land requirement for these projects is estimated at 4,000 hectares, with an initial capital investment of $150 million.
Rimi praised the proactive approach of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, noting that visits to Jibia, Mashi, Daura, Mai’adua, and Kaita Local Government Areas left a positive impression on the investors.
COVEC, a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited, is a global engineering and construction firm active in nearly 100 countries. In Nigeria, it has partnered with local entities to advance agro-industrial processing and infrastructure development.
These proposed projects could mark a significant boost for Katsina’s economy, generating employment opportunities and reinforcing the state’s position as a key hub for agriculture and renewable energy in Nigeria.
