Following the success of the Shonga commercial agriculture project, the Kwara State Government is now looking at attracting a new group of farmers and investors to the Commercial Farming II project.
Investment Opportunity
In 2004 the Kwara State Government invited a group of Zimbabwean farmers, who lost their farms due to the government's land redistribution policy, to relocate to Kwara State, situated in central Nigeria. The project has been a great success and the group of 13 farming families currently produce dairy products and various crops such a cassava, soya beans, maize and bananas, to name a few. Large scale poultry production will also soon get underway.
In the wake of the project’s success, the administration is looking for investors to participate in the Commercial Farming II project. 20 000 hectares of land has been identified in the Asa Local Government Area. The land is very similar to Shonga with plenty of surface and underground water that can be used for irrigation.
As part of its incentive package, the state government is willing to assist investors through the granting of tax holidays, providing basic infrastructure (roads, water, energy) and security, as well as facilitating access to financial institutions. Assistance will also be given with regards to agricultural inputs such as fertiliser.
Kwara State has a suitable climate for a variety of crops, including cassava, yam, groundnut, rice, sorghum, maize and numerous fruits and vegetables. Livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats and chickens will also do well in the state.
Reasons to Invest in Kwara State
Location: Kwara State is close to Nigeria's capital Abuja and its commercial hub Lagos. The Ilorin International Airport has recently been renovated and a trip from Lagos or Abuja is a mere 50 minute journey via air. A new cargo terminal at the airport is also close to completion.
Power supply: Due to the recent completion of the Ganmo sub-station, the state capital, Ilorin, currently enjoys very close to 24 hours a day of uninterrupted power supply. Many business owners are delighted by the fact that they have to make very little use of generators.
Political will: The government of Kwara State is devoted to creating an enabling environment for business and investment. The state is also committed to continuity of policies which will ensure that an investor friendly environment remains even after the end of the current administration’s tenure.
Investment insurance: Nigeria is a member of MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) and the ICSD (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes). Potential investors are therefore insured against a wide range of non-commercial risks.
Contact Details Investors interested in this project should contact Fela Ibidapo, Special Assistant to the Executive Governor, Kwara State (Investments) at felaibidapo@gmail.com
