Kogi State Government has disclosed that it has adopted the system of land titling and registration programme for all land in the Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone.
Capt Idris Wada made the disclosure when he received in audience, World Bank Pre–Appraisal mission on Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone.
Capt Wada explained that towards ensuring that the Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone does not develop into a slum, due to the potentials and prospect the business will bring, the State Government is developing the area along a town settlement concept.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said efforts is been made for all Agricultural land in Alape to grow in a manner that will allow for responsible economic development, that will improve acceptable town planning rules as well as improve the Health and well being of the people.
Capt Wada reiterated the joy of the people of Alape to the successful take off of the project, assured of State Government enthusiasm in addressing all noticed challenge that will arise from land acquisition.
According to Governor Wada, the Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone would support the development of approximately 30,000 hectares of land that will provide an essential supply of locally grown crop, said all hands must be on deck in building the necessary infrastructures for a well planned city.
The Staple Crop Processing Zone when operational, Capt Wada disclosed would support jobs for skilled and unskilled workers at, and around, the processing site as well as develop local Agricultural production in the area, said it is a model that must be well nurtured towards its successful take off.
Capt Wada thanked the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the World Bank, Cargil USA and other appropriate Ministries and Agencies working since 2012 for the realization of the take – off of the Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone, assured of Government’s readiness to a fruitful working partner.
In his remarks, Dr. Odulami, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources said the World Bank visiting team was in the State for a pre – mission to ascertain the measure of infrastructure and the safeguard instrument put in place regarding the issues of land by the Kogi State Government.
Also speaking, Dr. Adama Tore, representative of the World Bank in Nigeria said their visit to the State which will enable them meet stakeholders is aimed at fast tracking the smooth take – off of the Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone, through a strong building plan that will take care of the expected risk.
Similarly, Prof Adeniji Peter, Chairman, Presidential Committee on Land Reforms, said their visit to the State is to ascertain the level of compliance to the systematic Land Titling Registration Programme for the Staple Crop Processing Zone, said improper planning and mapping of land makes urban and regional planning difficult in Nigeria.
Prof Adeniji however commended Kogi State Government for its role in the commencement of the land titling system.
Peter Neilson, representing CARGIL, said Cargil is committed to communities where it invest, said working with other stakeholders on the Staple Crop Processing Zone, it would ensure that its S100 million investment follows due diligence on the proposed processing facility and Agricultural supply chain
