The Kogi State is partnering with the Arewacotton, National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) Kogi State branch on the establishment of a cotton ginning company, Kogi Ginnery Limited.
Signing the memorandum of understanding at the government house in Lokoja yesterday, Governor Idris Wada said the decision to partner with Arewacotton was to boost cotton production in the state.
He said all the state obligations relating to the MOU would be fulfilled, adding that his administration would support and empower investors willing to partner with the state to grow its industry and create jobs and wealth for the people.
“Government is not so good in managing business and we rely on private investors to grow the industry. Let me assure you of our support for the take- off of the company and cotton cultivation in the state. Let us work together as a team so as to achieve the agriculture transformation agenda,” he said
Earlier, the Managing Director of Arewacotton, Anibe Achimugu said they have already invited their foreign partners to inspect some of the farms in the state.
He said with the signing of the MOU, they will be able to establish cotton ginnery company and commence the ginning of cotton in the state, as the draft business and financial plan and potential funders of the project are completed.
Achimugu said that Arewacotton and NACOTAN, Kogi branch’s effort will return the state to the status of a cotton farming, cotton ginning and cotton trading state, stating that they have secured incorporation of the Kogi Ginnery Limited to establish a 1.5 hectare pilot cotton farm.
