Kaduna State to Host Nigeria-China Poultry Project Pilot Phase
Kaduna State is set to take a significant step in its economic development by hosting the pilot phase of the Nigeria-China Poultry Project. This major agricultural initiative is expected to generate over $450 million in revenue and create more than 350,000 jobs. The project marks a key milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China, with a focus on agriculture and foreign investment.
Governor Uba Sani made the announcement during a meeting held on Wednesday, where he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, along with officials from the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). The discussion centered on enhancing collaboration in the agricultural sector and attracting more foreign investment to the state.
Sani described the engagement as “a defining stride” in Kaduna’s economic development agenda. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of positioning the state as a hub for agricultural and industrial growth across the continent. The governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for selecting Kaduna as the pilot location, highlighting the state’s leadership in agricultural productivity.
“With agriculture contributing 43 per cent to our GDP and employing more than 60 per cent of our citizens, this partnership will accelerate our pursuit of higher productivity, sustainable growth, food security, and broad-based prosperity,” Sani said.
Ambassador Dunhai praised Kaduna for its progress and efforts in creating an environment favorable to international investors. He noted that the state’s stability and reform-driven leadership have made it a top destination for development partners.
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the NCSP, commended the state for its swift approval and allocation of over 7,000 hectares of land for the project’s immediate implementation. This move has been critical in ensuring the project can begin its operations without delay.
The Nigeria-China Poultry Project will be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, involving both the Chinese Government and Kaduna State Government. Construction is scheduled to start in December, marking the beginning of a large-scale agricultural transformation in the region.
The project will expand the cultivation of maize and soybeans over 10,000 hectares to support feedstock production. It is projected to create 50,000 direct jobs and more than 300,000 indirect jobs across the poultry and agribusiness value chain.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost local economies and contribute to national food security. By integrating modern agricultural practices and leveraging international partnerships, Kaduna is poised to become a model for sustainable and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
Key Highlights of the Nigeria-China Poultry Project
- Economic Impact: The project is expected to generate over $450 million in revenue and create more than 350,000 jobs.
- Agricultural Focus: The initiative will expand maize and soybean cultivation over 10,000 hectares to support feedstock production.
- Employment Opportunities: The project is projected to create 50,000 direct jobs and more than 300,000 indirect jobs.
- Partnership Structure: The project will be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, involving both the Chinese and Kaduna State Governments.
- Timeline: Construction is scheduled to begin in December, with the aim of accelerating agricultural productivity and economic growth in the region.