The Kwara State Government is calling on interested parties to come forward and invest in the production of fruit juice in the state.
Investment Opportunity
Kwara State's climate is very conducive for the growing of fruits and vegetables. The region has a dry and wet season with an intervening cold and dry harmattan period, usually experienced from December to January. The annual rainfall ranges from 1,000 - 1,500mm. The natural vegetation consists broadly of rain forest and wooded Savannah. The landforms consist of undulating hills, valleys and plains traversed by the Niger River and its tributaries. Fruits and vegetables that do especially well in the state include mango, orange, pineapple, banana, cashew nuts, tomato, etc.
The project will include the planning, construction, installation of equipment and operation of the facility. Investors are also encouraged to involve the local population in the project.
The Kwara State government is committed to the development of agriculture as the main driver of economic growth. In 2004 the current administration invited a group of displaced Zimbabwean farmers to start with large-scale commercial agriculture in the state. The project has been a huge success and the state government is currently looking at establishing a second commercial agriculture initiative.
Reasons to Invest in Kwara State
Incentives: The Kwara State Government is willing to extend a number of incentives to serious investors. These include the provision of land and infrastructure, tax holidays and assistance with obtaining financing.
Labour: Kwara State is home to the well-respected University of Ilorin and construction of the new Kwara State University will soon be completed. Kwara State therefore has a large number of graduates who can be employed by companies investing in the state.
Cargo terminal: A new cargo terminal at the Ilorin International Airport will soon be completed and will allow for goods to be transported via air, both locally and internationally.
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).
Contact Details Investors interested in this project should contact Fela Ibidapo, Special Assistant to the Executive Governor, Kwara State (Investments) at infonigeria@gan.co.za
