Katsina Inaugurates Major Agro-Processing Factory Under New Investment Framework

The Katsina State Government has launched a major pilot agricultural investment aimed at revolutionizing its agribusiness sector and integrating smallholder farmers into structured markets. The initiative, announced through the State Investment Promotion Agency, involves private sector partners establishing an agro-allied processing factory in Tashar Bala village, Batagarawa Local Government Area.

Director-General of the agency, Ibrahim Jikamshi, disclosed the project on Tuesday, highlighting that it operates under the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment. This follows an Executive Order issued by the state government adopting FRILIA to ensure responsible land governance, community inclusion, and investor protection in line with international standards.

“This Pilot project underscores Katsina State’s commitment to responsible land governance, inclusive economic growth, and enhanced investor confidence,” Jikamshi stated. He explained that the project is designed to create employment, enable skills and technology transfer, improve market access for farmers, and embed local producers into a formal agricultural value chain through an out-grower scheme.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the state has established a Grievance Redress Mechanism to address community concerns promptly. Steering and technical committees have also been set up to oversee the framework’s implementation.

Jikamshi added that the initiative builds on earlier investment commitments showcased during the Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit. These include a N3.5 billion ultra-modern poultry farm and hatchery by TORQ Agro Allied, an $11 million soybean processing centre by the same firm, and a N1 billion fertiliser and agro-chemical production plant by Al-Hikima Fertiliser and Chemicals Nigeria Limited—with plans to expand to N5 billion.

According to the agency, the state has conducted capacity-building workshops with traditional leaders and stakeholders to strengthen institutional readiness for land-intensive investments that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.