Gov Idris, Ministers Commission Africa’s Largest Tomato Processing Plant In Kebbi 

Ayuba Sanusi

GOVERNOR Nasir Idris of Kebbi State;  the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji  Muhammad Idris yesterday, Friday 8th February 2024, commissioned a tomato farming and processing facility of a private company, GB Foods, at Gafara in Ngaski Local Government Area of the state. 

Governor Nasir Idris remarked that his administration would give an enabling environment for businesses of private investors to thrive in the state.

He thanked Spain for finding Kebbi worthwhile for establishing such a huge investment in the agricultural sector in the state. 

He further commended the President for sending a high-powered delegation to the state to obtain first-hand information and see things for themselves about the activities of the largest tomato processing plant in Africa similar to WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu Local Government Area of the state. 

He gave an assurance that the state would remain hospitable to all investors with the necessary enabling environment for profitable business.

Governor Idris requested the company to process its end product in the state without referral to Lagos State for processing.

The representative of the President, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to providing a conducive environment and necessary encouragement to private investors to invest in the agricultural sector in line with his eight-point agenda. 

Minister Kyari commended the company for its huge investment in the country as demonstrated by its planned expansion of its processing facility. 

The Minister thanked the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Juan Sell, for personally visiting the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to invite the President to the commissioning ceremony. 

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, said President Tinubu has invested enormous resources in agricultural development and created an enabling environment for investors to invest in agriculture towards the attainment of food security in the country.

He adds, “The action of GB Foods has discountenanced the notion that only bad things come out from Nigeria. 

“The commissioning of the processing facility by the company is a very good story because it has shown that it is investing more and more in the country, employing many people of whom more than 70 per cent are women of all ages.”

Governor Idris said that the establishment of the company and its sustainability was an indication of political collaboration between President Tinubu and the Kebbi State governor in their penchant for improved agricultural production, food security and wealth creation.

The minister thanked the company for its belief in Nigeria, assuring that the President would provide it with the necessary support and encouragement.

“I am happy that GB Foods is the largest tomato processing plant in Africa as it processes, two thousand, four hundred (2,400) metric tones of tomato per day.

“I urge you to remain dogged and I call on other investors to invest across the country,” he said. 

Minister Idris commended Governor Nasir Idris for providing necessary support and encouragement to the company initiated by former governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.

Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu commended the President for placing a premium on agricultural production and food security manifested in GB Foods making a significant contribution to food security.

“I commend the Spanish government for its support to GB Foods.

“I also commend the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, for mobilising the host community to be receptive to the activities of the company with the necessary support from the state government which has made significant achievements to raise the status of the company.

“From a national planning perspective, Nigeria is a huge investment destination that can absorb thousands of private investments.”

In his royal blessing, the monarch, Zayyanu-Abdullahi, commended the governor for upholding the legacy of his predecessor by providing necessary support to investors, especially GB Foods. 

In a remark, the Spanish Ambassador reiterated the commitment of Spain to partner with Nigeria in various sectors of the economy in spite of the challenges in the country. 

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Vincent Egbe, on behalf of tomato farmers, donated a crate of the commodity to the Minister of Agriculture for onward delivery to President Tinubu to sample the quality of their cultivation.

The Sole Administrator of Yauri Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Shu’abu, that of Shanga, Abdullahi Abdullahi Maikasuwa and Alhaji Maniru Abubakar, Sole Administrator of Ngaski were on hand with hundreds of their supporters to welcome Governor Idris and his entourage. 

Eighteen-Eleven Media