Albert Adesina Soje

Name: Albert Adesina Soje
Position: Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Kogi State

1) What are the main areas of Kogi State’s agriculture sector where investors can get involved?

Kogi State is essentially an agricultural region. We have oil palm, cassava, cashew nuts, maize, sorghum, and rice. The state has a rich valley that is very suitable for agriculture where the river Niger and the River Benue serve as a water supply. There is a large number of investment opportunities in Kogi State and they are begging for foreign partnership.

2) What incentives is the state government willing to extend to investors wishing to invest in Kogi State?

We will provide an enabling environment for investors. Investors will be given land and adequate security; the infrastructure is already there. Investors should also know that the political will is there. The banks are also interested in providing loan facilities.

3) A lot of foreign investors are still skeptical about Nigeria especially when it comes to rumours about corruption. What is your message to investors regarding the political situation in Nigeria?

Some of these things are just a perception. The leadership in Kogi State is straight, it’s responsive, and accountable. Corruption in the state is at its lowest base and should not be a threat to investors. We score very high points on the following of due process. The security of investors is essential and they should know that our state is relatively peaceful - there is no hostage taking and armed robberies have been reduced to a minimum.

4) Where would you like to see Kogi State’s agriculture sector in ten years time?

I want to see agriculture mechanised, production increased and inputs like tractors and chemicals brought in. Our farmers need to be empowered. I also want to see fertiliser and seeds available within the next ten years. And above that is the accessibility to funding. Farmers should be able to have access to an agriculture fund.

5) What is the best thing about living in Kogi State?

The best thing about living in Kogi State is that one has peace of mind, enough food to eat and the hope that things will change for the better. We have a lot of tourism sites that have not been developed and begging for foreign investment. With all these things around I don’t want to leave. Kogi State has a future. It is a place where investors would like to come and stay. It is a fantastic place.