By our Correspondent
Kaduna State is set to host the pilot phase of the landmark Nigeria-China Poultry Project — a transformative agricultural investment expected to generate over $450 million in revenue and create more than 350,000 jobs.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed this on Wednesday when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, and the leadership of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP).
The high-level engagement focused on deepening bilateral collaboration in agriculture and investment between Kaduna State and the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Sani described the visit as “not merely another diplomatic courtesy, but a defining stride” in Kaduna’s mission to attract transformative partnerships that will reinforce its position as a continental hub for agricultural and industrial excellence.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for selecting Kaduna as the pilot state for the project, describing the choice as a testament to the state’s leadership in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“With agriculture contributing 43 percent to our GDP and employing more than 60 percent of our citizens, this partnership will accelerate our pursuit of higher productivity, sustainable growth, food security, and broad-based prosperity,” Governor Uba Sani stated.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai commended the remarkable progress unfolding across Kaduna and lauded the state government’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for global investors. He noted that Kaduna’s stability and forward-looking policies have positioned it as a preferred destination for major development partners.
The Director-General of the NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, also praised the state’s commitment, reflected in the swift approval and allocation of over 7,000 hectares of land for the immediate take-off of the project.
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, the Nigeria-China Poultry Project will be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in partnership with the Chinese Government and the Kaduna State Government. The Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in December this year.
The project will cover 10,000 hectares — encompassing maize and soybean cultivation to support feedstock production — and is projected to create 50,000 direct jobs and over 300,000 indirect employment opportunities across the value chain.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnerships that deliver inclusive economic growth, enhance food security, and position Kaduna as the agricultural heart of Nigeria.
Nigeria and China have over the years achieved rapid growth across all sectors and have supported each other on issues concerning common core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in global and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach. The two countries are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation
It will be recalled that on September 3, 2024 Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Beijing Summit. The leaders of the two countries during the meeting jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and were committed to building a high level China-Nigeria community with a shared future. (GSF)
