Farming: Niger State, others get $3.2bn tricycle-producing plant
Abdul Mohammed Isa, Niger State.
Niger State in North-central Nigeria alongside 11 other States are to benefit from a 3.2 billion-dollar investment for the establishment of a tricycle-producing plant to boost agricultural development in the country.
According to Mary Noel Berjethe, the State Governor’s spokesperson, the plant is to be established by the Buckstalker Engineering Company with the support of the Nigerian government.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, who applauded the effort of the Company, noted that the State has a large farming population as a result of having the highest landmass in the country.
The governor, however, lamented the insecurity challenge which has reduced farming activities in the State, but expressed optimism that it would soon be a thing of the past as significant success is being recorded in the fight against terrorism.
“With the right intervention and political will, Niger State can be the food basket of not only Nigeria but West Africa as a whole,” he said.
The Executive Chairman, Buckstalker Engineering, Manasseh Joshua, who led some team of investors to Niger State, explained that the tricycles would be produced in partnership with a South Korean Company and in two types: trucks and passengers.
Mr Joshua said the tricycles, which are specifically designed for Nigerian roads, are to help farmers convey goods and services from hinterlands to urban centers; this, he said, would also boost agriculture in the State.
“12 States were selected across the country based on their comparative advantages of agricultural potentials.
“They have already inspected the site in Minna and would soon kick start.
“The plant would create direct and indirect job opportunities for about 5,000 people in the State, while the company will bring in 266 expatriates.
“The employment is endless – indigenes will be employed. It’s a long chain of advantages. This is just a tip of an iceberg.
“We have already procured the land and we are set to go. It is not the project that is starting now. We are 95% done to start the project all over the country. The project is private sector-driven,” he said.
