Following the agreement reached between the Kogi State Government and Cargill, an American Investor, on its proposed $100 million investment over a 30,000 hectares of land for the construction of a Cassava Processing facility, the State Government says it is committed to ensuring that all relevant processes are meticulously pursued in land acquisition.
Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Idris Wada, gave the indication at the inception workshop for Cargill Resettlement Action Plan (Land Acquisition Plan) for the proposed Cargill Starch Plant in Kogi State.
The Cargill Agricultural Production Processing project is a potential investment to support the staple crop processing zone that is planned in Alape, Kogi State.
This project would enable Cargill become the major private sector investor to support the Agricultural transformation strategy set out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, supported by the Kogi State Government.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, assured all the parties involved in the project that all transactions relating to land acquisition and land tenure will be conducted transparently and in accordance with established laws and international best practices.
Capt. Wada who said the goal of his administration is not just to attract investment to the State, but to conduct business with integrity and to serve as a model of institutional support for corporate entities operating in the State.
The Governor called for the rules of engagement on Land Acquisition Plan or Resettlement Action Plan to be clearly spelt out, adopted and effected, devoid of any delay or complications.
The governor described the workshop as an effective commencement of the translation into reality the huge plan of Cargill to set up in Nigeria, using the Kogi State corridor.
Capt Wada assured of the eagerness of the State Government and the host communities of the factory site of a mutual beneficial relationship, and implored all the stakeholders involved in the project to critically evaluate and resolve all the contending issues that will facilitate further advancement in the Re settlement Action Plan.
Capt Wada said the State looks forward to the commitment of community social responsibility, that Cargill is known to exhibit as the action plans are implemented.
He also assured that the best co-operation, hospitality and support of the State Government and the host community will be put at the disposal of Cargill to further encourage and expand their scope beyond starch production and into the development of value addition for other crops such as Rice, Cotton, Soya- bean and Sugarcane in which the State he noted is well endowed.
The Governor equally appreciated the collaboration of the technical advice provided by the Environmental Resources Management Limited, said it is expected that appropriate plans will be instituted to have a physically appealing and environmentally balanced environment; to avoid the shortcomings observed in the development of similar industrial estates in the State.
The Governor reiterated the appreciation of the State Government to the Federal Government in its support to its Agricultural and industrial development programmes, noted that the investment from Cargill is an eminent symbol of such support.
In his remarks, Peter Neilson, Vice President, Cargill West Africa said the starch facility will produce up to 90,000 metric tones per year of Cassava starch will supply Nigerian food and beverage manufacturers.
The investment he disclosed would set up an inclusive farming model that would enable small farm holders to have access to training, crop inputs and a reliable, fair market for their crops.
In his introductory remarks, James Awoniyi, consultant and technical adviser on Agriculture to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the intention of the Federal Government is to look beyond farming for feeding purposes but as an important business, commended the Kogi State Government for having a robust Agricultural policy since its creation.
He said the workshop would unfold the process that needs to be introduced in the Land Management at the Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone.
Several paper presentation and facilitation of discussion of Cargill Resettlement Action process and roles and responsibilities were discussed by seasoned resource person.
The workshop was attended by the host communities amongst other stakeholders.
