By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad (9News Nigeria, Northeast)
A Yobe State Government delegation led by the Special Adviser on International Relations and Investment to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, has arrived in Moscow to secure strategic partnerships for the Damaturu Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, SAPZ.
The delegation is in Russia for the Russia-Africa Summit.Its mandate is to bridge Yobe’s agricultural potential with Russian industrial expertise.
It is also to attract investment into the 1,500-hectare SAPZ.
Dr. Kori on a post on his Facebook account explained that the team’s objective is to secure partnerships in dedicated power generation of 50-100MW.
The partnerships will also cover rice and sesame processing as well as agricultural mechanization for the zone.
According to him, the team has commenced high-level engagements with Russian partners and has presented a comprehensive investment brief.
The brief outlines nine bankable investment windows and opportunities for Russian technology and export credit in North-East Nigeria.
He said Yobe is positioning the SAPZ as the hub of Africa’s next agro-industrial revolution, noting that land, market and government support are ready for investors.
Members of the delegation include Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam, Managing Director, Nigeria Food Corporation.
Also on the team is Dr. Aliyu Chikaji, Director General, Yobe State Agency for Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, Dr. Mohammed Alkali Dilala, Focal Person on Special Agric Intervention.
Others are Babagana Hassan, Managing Director, Yobe Investment Company, Engr. Umara Mustapha Goniri, Chairman, Rural Electrification Commission, Alh. Modu Maaji Ajiri, Project Coordinator, SAPZ Yobe and Mr. Abubakar Bello of the Nigeria Food Corporation.
The team said discussions in Moscow are focused on moving from engagement to validation.
The discussions will also focus on structuring of investments for the Damaturu zone.
