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Abia implements urban renewal agenda with new Umuahia City

Michael Simire
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Abia implements urban renewal agenda with new Umuahia City

The Abia State Government has said that plans are underway to establish the new Umuahia City, as part of its transformation agenda for the state.

Gov. Alex Otti
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, April 14, 2025, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Umuahia, the state capital.

Kanu said that the plan was in line with the State Government’s comprehensive Urban Renewal Agenda.

He said, “SEC has directed the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to fast-track the development of a new Umuahia City.

He said that the move was in response to the need to expand and modernise the current cityscape, considered limited in size and infrastructure.

The commissioner also said that government had ordered the immediate renovation and retrofitting of the long-abandoned Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre at Mgbarakuma, near Umuahia.

He said that the general manager of UCDA was instructed to ensure the facility was revived and made operational in the shortest possible time.

Kanu said that the government had taken a strong stance against the vandalism of government property.

He said that the Facility Manager of the Aba Textile Mill and two staff members were being detained over a case involving the theft and destruction of equipment at the mill.

He said that the government warned that anyone found vandalising public assets would face the full weight of the law.

On sports, he said that the state recorded significant achievements at the recently concluded maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival.

According to him, the state’s contingent won 33 medals – comprising nine gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze.

Kanu further said that the state also successfully hosted the Under-12 and Under-15 handball championships, attracting participants from 12 states.

He also said that, in football, the Abia Warriors boosted their hopes of securing a CAF continental slot, after defeating Rivers United 2-0, maintaining third place on the Nigeria Premier League table.

“These successes underscore the unwavering commitment of Gov. Alex Otti’s administration to youth empowerment through sports,” the commissioner said.

On the creative front, Kanu said that an Aba-based artist, Mr. Nuel Geoffrey, was set to attempt a Guinness World Record by painting 300 faces in one hour to surpass the current record of 217, held by Gary Cole from United States of America.

He said that the event, which had received official Guinness approval, would take place on May 23 at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

He further said that the state Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy would be partnering with the artist for the record-breaking attempt, with all materials sourced locally from Aba.

Kanu argued that development in the state did not focus exclusively on physical infrastructure but also focuses on showcasing the creativity and talent of Abia people on the global stage.

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Africa’s gas consumption to hit 183bn cubic meters – Report

Michael Simire
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Africa’s gas consumption to hit 183bn cubic meters – Report

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) says Africa’s natural gas consumption will hit 183 billion cubic meters (bcm), marking a three per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase.

Russia gas supply
Gas pipelines

The GECF says Africa’s gas consumption is expected to grow by four per cent, fuelled by ongoing industrialisation, increased demand in the power sector, and the expansion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The forum made this known on Tuesday, April 15, in its 2025 Annual Gas Market Report (AGMR).

The report said Algeria and Egypt, representing together over 60 per cent of the regional market, were the primary drivers of this growth, with demand fuelled by the industrial and electricity sectors.

According to the report, Nigeria also contributed significantly, particularly through its expanding gas-to-power projects.

It said the power sector remained the dominant force behind gas consumption across the continent, as governments focused on improving electricity access and reliability.

“Looking ahead to 2025, Africa’s gas consumption is expected to grow by four per cent, fuelled by ongoing industrialisation, increased demand in the power sector, and the expansion of LNG regasification terminals in key markets such as South Africa.

“As the region works to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on coal and oil, natural gas will continue to play a crucial role in Africa’s evolving energy mix.

“Several developments in the region are poised to boost gas consumption.

“Various countries, including South Africa and Ghana, are investing in LNG import infrastructure and pipeline projects to meet the growing demand for gas in industrial and power generation sectors.

“At the same time, as many countries expand their renewable energy capacity, they are also prioritising the development of natural gas supply to ensure grid stability during periods of low renewable output,” the report said.

It said that in spite of the ongoing efforts, several challenges continue to hinder the ability to meet growing gas consumption needs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

It highlighted key obstacles to include inadequate gas infrastructure, a conflict between prioritising domestic gas use and fulfilling export commitments, limited energy access, especially in remote areas, and difficulty in securing financing for gas development projects.

The report said overcoming these challenges required coordinated efforts in policymaking, investment and infrastructure development.

The GECF is an intergovernmental organisation established in May 2001 but became a fully-fledged organisation in 2008, with headquarters in Doha, the State of Qatar.

As of April 2025, the GECF gathers 20 countries, including 12 full members and eight observer members (hereafter referred to as the GECF Member Countries) from four continents.

Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela have the status of full members, while Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru and Senegal have the status of observer members.

In accordance with the GECF statute, it aims to support the sovereign rights of its member countries over their natural gas resources and their abilities to develop, preserve and use such resources for the benefit of their people.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Govt told to include solar panel production in NASENI mandate

Michael Simire
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Govt told to include solar panel production in NASENI mandate

A legal practitioner, Dr Balarade Ahmad, says mandate of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) should be expanded to include engaging in mass production of solar panels and batteries.

Solar panels installation
Solar panels installation

Ahmad said this during an interview on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Abuja.

The core mandate of NASENI includes developing Nigeria’s science, technology, and engineering infrastructure to enable it drive industrialisation and economic growth.

It involves fostering research and development, promoting indigenous technology solutions, and providing the necessary infrastructure for local industries.

The lawyer urged that NASENI should set up large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) factory and be engaged in the production of high-capacity batteries.

He said that he had earlier advanced this position in his dissertation for the award of Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2024.

He said the research focused discovering the uncertainties solar panel businesses face in the country as well as business models being deployed to navigate them.

He said the importation of solar panels and accessories posed a great challenge to local businesses, adding that NASENI’s involvement in the business could be a game changer.

“Some of these uncertainties are policy, customers’ purchasing power, environmental and exchange rate, as well as security and market uncertainties.

“The fact that solar entrepreneurs in Nigeria can identify these uncertainties means that they can support the penetration of solar as an alternative to Nigerians

“There is a need for expanded research on the additional components of Dynamic Capabilities (DCs), specifically idea screening, uncertainty and risk management,’’ he said.

He urged Solar Photovoltaic Entrepreneurs (SPVEs) deploy Business Model Innovation (BMI), and participate in policy formulation and implementation for the sustainability of their businesses.

The SPVEs are individuals who establish and manage business pertaining to the solar energy industry.

According to him, when solar entrepreneurs deploy the BMI, it will reduce energy cost and make it more affordable to Nigerians.

BMI involves adapting or reinventing how a company creates and delivers value to customers, potentially through new revenue streams, distribution channels, or value propositions.

The process aims to create a more sustainable and competitive business model that better aligns with changing market needs.

Ahmad explained that the business model would allow solar entrepreneurs to push their products and services to energy poverty prone areas.

Ahmad urged government agencies to support SPVEs by providing information and knowledge-sharing platforms and reliable financial support mechanisms.

By Sylvester Thompson

Nigeria declares national emergency on food security

Michael Simire
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Nigeria declares national emergency on food security

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria on Monday, April 14, 2025, declared a national emergency on food security, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

Food Security
Dignitaries at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja

Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward.”

Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.

According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs), farmer management centres, and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

The minister further revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few, we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said

He appealed to development partners to show greater responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.

“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.

Mr. Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.

By Tosin Kolade

Zulum urges action on irrigation, climate resilience

Michael Simire
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Zulum urges action on irrigation, climate resilience

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the escalating impact of climate change on agriculture across Africa.

Governor Babagana Zulum
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State

Speaking on the sidelines of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday, April 14, 2025, Zulum said that Africa was at a crossroads between vulnerability and resilience.

Zulum stressed the need for inclusive irrigation systems and resilient food production strategies.

“Across sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 65 per cent of farmland is rain-fed. But the rain no longer comes as it once did. Seasons are shrinking, droughts are intensifying, and floods are becoming more severe,” he said.

Referencing the World Bank’s 2023 Climate Smart Agriculture Report, he noted that rainfall patterns in the Sahel had shifted by 20–30 per cent over the past decade.

“The consequences are dire, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projects a 50 per cent reduction in crop yields by 2030 if current climate trends continue.

“That is not just a statistic, it’s a direct threat to food security, public health, and the future of millions.

“In spite of contributing less than 4 per cent of global emissions, Africa continues to bear some of the worst effects of climate change.

“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports a 30 per cent rise in extreme weather events in the region since the 1990s.

“One of the starkest examples is Lake Chad, which has lost more than 90 per cent of its volume since the 1960s. Irrigation is no longer optional, it is indispensable,” Zulum said.

He emphasised the need to shift from rain-dependent farming to climate-smart agriculture by investing in efficient, inclusive irrigation systems.

“Innovation must not be a privilege of the few. Our approach must empower smallholder farmers, especially women and youth who are the backbone of rural agriculture,” he stressed.

The governor said Borno had begun laying the foundation for agricultural renewal through sustainable irrigation.

Zulum urged that efforts should go beyond individual states or countries.

“Today is about a shared African journey, a unified strategy for irrigation and water governance that requires bold policy reform, investment, and community inclusion,” he said.

He called on development partners to align with Africa’s home-grown solutions.

“We seek not dependency, but strategic partnership. Let us build systems that withstand climate shocks and restore dignity to our people”.

Zulum urged delegates to leave with renewed resolve to scale solutions, fix gaps, and drive a continent-wide push for agricultural resilience and water security.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.

By Tosin Kolade

Shell commends Oloibiri Lecture Series as platform for change

Michael Simire
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Shell commends Oloibiri Lecture Series as platform for change

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), one of the sponsors of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF), has commended it as a platform for driving change in Nigeria’s energy sector through the discussions that centre on business performance, cost discipline and process simplification.

Shell
Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Board of Trustees, Felix Chijioke Obike, and General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Joe Mordi, during the 2025 SPE Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) in Abuja

“This event is special to the Shell brand, not only because of the nostalgia of Oloibiri but the quality of discourse it has enabled in our sector over the years,” SNEPCO Managing Director, Ronald Adams, said in a goodwill speech delivered by General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations, Joe Mordi.

He said: “We are grateful to the Society of Petroleum Engineers and our host the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for another successful outing.”

Organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum began in 1991, in commemoration of the country’s first commercial oil discovery by Shell at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956.

Adams said recent developments in the Upstream and Downstream sectors of the energy industry, including the $5-billion final investment decision by Shell in the Bonga North Deepwater project, echoed the sentiments around the first oil discovery.

He noted: “These strides come with a commitment to excellence required of us – for stakeholders, colleagues, our country and indeed, future generations. The theme for this year ‘Driving energy sustainability through technology, policy and supply chain excellence’ reflects this commitment. The future is bright, and we have the opportunity to co-create it.”

IPI Nigeria appoints Idris, Garba Shehu, Egbemode, Ohwahwa, 25 others to committees

Michael Simire
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IPI Nigeria appoints Idris, Garba Shehu, Egbemode, Ohwahwa, 25 others to committees

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced the appointment of prominent media personalities to its standing committees, aimed at promoting press freedom and responsible journalism in Nigeria.

Musikilu Mojeed
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed

The committees include Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership, each comprising seasoned industry professionals.

Notable appointees include Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu; former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Funke Egbemode; former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Mr Emma Agu; and former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye. 

Committee Chairs and Members

Fundraising Committee

    – Chair: Ms. Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

    – Secretary: Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operations, The Nation

    – Members:

        – Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation

        – Juliet Bumah, Editor, New Telegraph

        – Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity

        – Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist

        – Victoria Ibanga, publisher of The Next Edition

        – Olufunke Fadugba, Chairman of the Editorial Board of PenPushing Media

        – Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ)

Programming Committee

    – Chair: Mr. Oladotun Oladipo, Managing Editor/CEO, Premium Eagle Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online

    – Secretary: Hajia Sani, Director, Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON)

    – Members:

        – Hajiya Zainab Suleiman Okino, Chairman Daily of the Editorial Board of Blueprint

        – Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director at The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)

        – Catherine Agbo, Deputy Editor, 21st Century Chronicle

        – Emma Agu, former Managing Director/CEO, Champion

        – Ahmed I. Shekarau, CEO, Media Trust Group

Advocacy Committee

    – Chair: Tobi Soniyi, Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

    – Secretary: Ochiaka Ugwu, Editor, Features, Peoples Daily

    – Members:

        – Sule Ya’u Sule, Associate Professor at Bayero University Kano

        – Danlami Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiaryonline

        – Laide Abbas, Assistant Director, News, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)

        – David Ajikobi, Nigerian Editor of Africa Check

        – Fred Ohwahwa, former Editor at The Guardian and Senior Partner, Tokee Consult Limited

Membership Committee

    – Chair: Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu, Associate Professor at Bayero University Kano

    – Secretary: Linda Dooyum Kpum, IPI Nigeria’s Administrative Secretary

    – Members:

        – Fidelis Mbah, Al Jazeera Media Network and Deputy President of IPI Nigeria

        – Naziru Mikailu Abubakar, PhD Fellow at the University of Westminster, United Kingdom

        – Bolanle Ismail, lecturer, Crescent University, Abeokuta

The committees are tasked with key responsibilities:

– The Fundraising Committee will plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising activities to support IPI Nigeria’s programs.

– The Programming Committee will design initiatives and develop compelling programs aligned with IPI Nigeria’s objectives.

– The Advocacy Committee will provide strategic direction for IPI Nigeria’s advocacy efforts, promoting press freedom and engaging with public officials on key policy issues.

– The Membership Committee will focus on attracting new members, assessing applicants’ qualifications, and enhancing member engagement.

IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, stated that the reconstitution of these committees aims to accelerate efforts in safeguarding press freedom and promoting responsible journalism practices in Nigeria.

Success of global energy transitions starts with early-stage project financing – IRENA

Michael Simire
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Success of global energy transitions starts with early-stage project financing – IRENA

Renewable energy projects require significant upfront investments during the preparation and development stages. These stages entail priorities identification, technical and financing options evaluation, and crafting tailored solutions. Investments at this phase, support essential activities including but not limited to feasibility studies, environmental & social impact assessments, risk assessments, and initiation of financial structuring and market analysis.

Francesco La Camera
IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera

The subsequent development stages – detailed site analyses, project design, permitting, technical and financial modelling, as well as regulatory alignment – demand significant capital inputs, often amounting to millions of dollars. Without substantial investment in these preparatory phases, projects remain underdeveloped or not attractive to banks and investors (unbankable), stalling their progress towards financial close and full implementation. Despite the urgency of accelerating the energy transitions through the scaled-up deployment of renewable energy projects, accessible financing for these stages remains scarce, particularly in developing countries.

While well-structured renewables projects can achieve financial close within 6-15 months, many projects struggle for years to move beyond the preparatory phases due to insufficient development funding. An analysis based on projects submitted on the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform – an inclusive, multi-stakeholder climate finance platform managed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to advance the energy transitions in developing economies – shows a disparity in the global picture; most projects located in Sub-Saharan Africa face significant delays in achieving financial close.

With many still in development stages, and with local developers disproportionately affected due to limited access to early-stage capital, these projects often rely on owners’ equity or grant funding to cover development costs. These unique challenges of early-stage financing require specific funding mechanisms – which if provided at scale – have the potential to support project development stages, for example:

  1. Project Preparation Facilities serve as key providers of financial and technical assistance for critical pre-construction activities, as they provide financial and technical assistance for critical pre-construction activities, such as feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and project structuring. These facilities reduce the financial risks for developers, enabling projects to reach bankability. The African Development Bank’s SEFA has funded early-stage renewable energy projects, addressing key bottlenecks. A notable example is the $8 million DREAM programme in Ethiopia.
  2. Similarly, Africa50, one of the ETAF partners, has a project preparation facility for infrastructure developments (including energy projects). Expanding the availability of such providers is essential to accelerating the development of renewable energy projects.
  3. Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) are outcome-based instruments that offer upfront capital for project development, with repayments linked to achieving predefined milestones, such as securing permits or reaching financial close. While DIBs have been successfully applied in social development projects, such as the Village Enterprise Development Impact Bond in Kenya and Uganda, the same model can be replicated for renewable energy infrastructure projects.
  4. Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, provide an innovative pathway to mobilise early-stage capital. Advance payments for ITMOs – representing future emission reductions – can fund project preparation activities, especially for large-scale energy transition projects in low-income countries. An example is the iCRAFT project in Uzbekistan, supported by a $46.25 million World Bank grant.
  5. Risk-sharing facilities help address financial risks in early-stage development by pooling resources from governments, DFIs, and private investors. These facilities de-risk project preparation, making it easier for developers to secure funding, while tying support to clear outcomes to ensure accountability and reduce upfront costs. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is one such example, supporting early-stage renewables projects through grants and concessional financing that bridge the gap between project conception and financial close.
  6. Energy development funds established by governments or DFIs can directly address the lack of financing for early-stage activities. These funds provide grants or concessional loans to support technical studies, and project structuring, For example, Rwanda’s Renewable Energy Fund, implemented with support from the Government of Rwanda and the Climate Investment Funds, has supported local entrepreneurs in the mini-grid and solar home system sectors.

In addition, capacity building is also crucial to ensure that local developers can navigate regulatory and technical processes effectively, reducing their dependence on foreign expertise, which consequently lowers development costs. Utilising free online project preparation tools is another valuable approach for developers.

Public-private partnerships can leverage public resources to de-risk activities like feasibility studies and environmental assessments. Through ETAF, IRENA collaborates with partners to provide technical assistance, making more projects eligible for funding.

A prime example of this approach is the tailored support provided to Costa Rica. The country launched a venture capital fund designed to overhaul its public transport system, specifically by replacing fossil fuel-powered bus fleets with electric buses.

Govt pledges support to addressing post-harvest losses

Michael Simire
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0
Govt pledges support to addressing post-harvest losses

The Federal Government says it is determined to provide all the needed support for initiating modern innovation to address post-harvest losses among farmers across the country.

John Owan Enoh
Minister of State for Industry and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh

Minister of State for Industry and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, disclosed this on Monday, April 14, 2025, during the inauguration of a modern Onion Storage facility in Kano State.

The facility, established by Prism Foods Ltd. Dawakin, in Kudu Local Government Area of the state and located at Gadar Tamburawa, is valued at more than N10 billion.

It is aimed at tackling the pressing issue of post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers in the region.

Enoh, who was visibly delighted with the facility, said it was the first of its kind in Africa.

He commended Prism Foods Ltd. for investing heavily in a solution to post-harvest losses, saying it would enhance food security and encourage entrepreneurship while boosting the nation’s economy.

According to him, facilities like this will pave way for more job opportunities and improve food security by providing a reliable storage solution for onions and other perishable commodities.

”This facility will play a vital role in effective service delivery as well as supporting the nation’s agricultural development.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to curb post-harvest losses, potentially increasing farmers’ income and creating more job opportunities for youths.”

In his remarks, Gov. Abba Yusuf, represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, commended Prism Foods Ltd. for the huge investment in Kano.

Yusuf noted that the state government was committed to providing all the needed support to ensure that Agricultural produce were enhanced.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prism Foods Ltd., Mr. Aman Gupta, said the massive post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers prompted the establishment of the facility.

He said the facility would be able to store 10,000 tonnes of onion at a time.

Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, Chairman, National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, said that the facility would significantly reduce post-harvest losses of onions and other perishable commodities.

Maitasamu disclosed that the association produced two million metric tonnes of onions, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.

He lauded the federal government and the Kano state government for their support in making the project a reality.

By Aminu Garko

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