FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA
Mahony Energy and Power is partnering Jigawa State government to create a self-sustaining, fully mechanised agricultural hub that will significantly boost the agro-allied sector, enhance food security and drive economic growth.
The partnership is expected to generate 100,000 direct and 120,000 indirect jobs, contributing to poverty reduction and economic stimulation, as the project is to be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership, PPP.
It will involve collaboration with research institutions, universities and foreign investors to ensure success.
Speaking in Jigawa on Wednesday during an official visit to Governor Umar Namadi, Managing Director of the company, Engr Musa Suleiman disclosed that the project will be a proposed 50,000 hectares of land dedicated to agricultural production, livestock farming and aquaculture.
On the utilisation of the 50,000 hectares of lands, Engr Suleiman explained that 21,000 hectares will focus on high-value crops such as rice, cassava, yams, plantains and pineapples, while 10,000 hectares will support livestock and fish farming, including 500,000 cows, one million goats, three million sheep and five million fish. Modern processing and packaging facilities will ensure high-quality output tailored to market demands.
“In addition to agricultural activities, the project includes significant infrastructural development, featuring roads, bridges, utilities, housing, recreational parks, five-star hotels, schools, hospitals and a commercial city center.
These developments aim to enhance living standards and create a vibrant economic ecosystem.
“With a planned completion by 2028, the JAC project is poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector, aligning with government’s vision for sustainable development and economic diversification,” Suleiman explained.
The managing director of Mahony noted that Jigawa is one of the most peaceful states in the country and also being an investment driven state with the capacity for full scale farming which he said is the cardinal principle of the Namadi-led administration. ” What is required from the state government is land and security. The partners are ready.”
On his part, Governor Namadi described the initiative as a good project for the state and its people, adding that it would benefit them.
Namadi explained that a channel of communication had already been established, which is going to be a win-win for the company and the state. “The document submitted by your company has already been studied and you have made clarification on our request,” he disclosed.
When completed, the project is expected to provide 100,000 direct skilled jobs and 120,000 indirect unskilled jobs to residents.
