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Investors sought to invest in the world's 'wonder tree'
Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:16

Region
Nigeria
Sokoto

Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing
Forestry & Paper
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Manufacturing

Summary:
Money normally doesn't grow on trees but local and foreign investors have the opportunity to earn considerable profits by getting involved in the processing of Neem trees in Nigeria. The Neem tree has often been described as the 'Divine Tree' because of its numerous uses.
Contact
Dr Buhari Bello Kware

Email
invest.showcase.comm.sokoto@live.com


Local and foreign investors have to opportunity to get involved in the processing of Neem trees in Sokoto State, situated in north-west Nigeria.

Investment Opportunity

The Neem tree (Azadirachta Indica), locally known as Dogon Yar, is a tree with much potential in Sokoto State. The tree has originally been brought to Nigeria as a way to stop desertification but it has many uses as an industrial crop.

Of the Neem tree's many uses, the most popular include:

  • All parts of the tree (seeds, leaves, flowers and bark) are used in medicines and pharmaceuticals
  • The oil, cake and leaves of tree are used extensively in the agriculture sector as an insecticide in food storage, as a soil amendment, a fertiliser efficiency enhancer, and a very effective foliar pesticide
  • Neem oil is used in cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms and creams), and is useful for skin care such as acne treatment
  • Neem gum is used as a bulking agent for the preparation of special purpose foods
  • Aqueous extracts of Neem leaves have demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential

    • The trees already exist in large numbers in the state and investors can immediately start with processing activities.

    Incentives

    The state government has put in place a package of incentives to attract genuine investors. These incentives are designed to promote investment, employment, sourcing raw materials and various vital issues pertaining to the setting up of industries in the state. They are the following:

  • Provision of adequate industrial infrastructure such as access roads, electricity, water and telecommunications facilities, etc.
  • Easy land acquisition
  • Equity participation in viable projects
  • Granting of loan facilities
  • Tax holiday of at least five years

    Investors interested in the processing of Neem trees should contact Dr Buhari Bello Kware of the Sokoto State Investment Promotion Committe at invest.showcase.comm.sokoto@live.com

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