The management of Kogi Agricultural Development Project (Kogi ADP) has successfully signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop 20 hectares of land for cassava production that will be used for bio-fuels production.
Speaking after the MoU signing ceremony, Mr Oyisi Okatahi, the Managing Director of Kogi ADP, told Kogireports that the ethanol project will create over 100,000 jobs for farmers and outgrowers.
He said Kogi state government under Governor Yahaya Bello is committed to making Kogi the foremost agricultural state in Nigeria.
“Kogi is already the number one cassava producer in Nigeria and by extension the whole world. This project will create over 100,000 jobs for farmers and outgrowers.
“The technical partners; Contec Global Energy Limited and Geron Oil & Gas Limited are ready to commence operations this year with the dry season farming and are committed to the success of this project,” he said.
The GGM of NNPC, Alh Kallamu, who was present at the MoU signing ceremony, said Federal Govternment will give Kogi State all the support required for the project as this it is a major vision of the Buhari-led Federal government to diversify into renewable energy.
By this agreement, Kogi ADP is required to provide all the necessary governmental support required to implement the cassava-based bio-fuel project, including government clearances, permits, certifications to allow the bio-fuel plant to operate per the laws of the land, including Federal Government Laws and Standards.
In line with the MoU signed, Contec Global Energy Limited will make necessary arrangements to facilitate debt and equity funding of the project, by arranging necessary technology and operational supports to implement the
cassava-based bio-fuel plant in Kogi State.
The cassava produced in the Bassa and Dekina LGAs or elsewhere will be collected, monitored and transported to the designated bio-fuel plant with support extended by Geron Oil & Gas Limited.
The facilities built for the purposed of storing cassava, processing cassava and transporting and distributing bio-fuel will be the joint responsibility of the all the three parties – Kogi ADP, Geron Oil & Gas Limited and Contec Global Energy Limited.
