Kaduna chosen as pilot state for major agro-industrial investment under Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda…
Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have taken another major step in strengthening their bilateral partnership with the launch of a $450 million Nigeria–China poultry project, designed to boost agricultural productivity and create more than 350,000 jobs nationwide.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State announced the deal on Thursday while hosting the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and officials of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
According to Sani, the project set to begin its pilot phase in Kaduna marks a significant milestone in the deepening of economic and agricultural cooperation between both nations.
“This visit is not just another diplomatic engagement but a defining stride in our mission to attract transformative partnerships that reinforce Kaduna’s position as a continental hub for agricultural and industrial excellence,” Sani said.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for selecting Kaduna as the pilot location, saying the move underscores the state’s growing importance in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“With agriculture contributing 43 percent to our GDP and employing over 60 percent of our people, this partnership will drive productivity, sustainable growth, food security, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai praised Kaduna’s proactive investment policies and stable business climate, describing the state as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for global investors. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda and lauded the state government’s collaboration with development partners.
The Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, also commended the Kaduna State Government for swiftly approving and allocating over 7,000 hectares of land for the project’s immediate rollout.
Under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), the poultry project will be implemented through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) jointly managed by the Chinese government and the Kaduna State Government.
Covering an estimated 10,000 hectares, the project will include maize and soybean cultivation for poultry feed production and is expected to generate around 50,000 direct jobs and 300,000 indirect jobs across the agricultural value chain.
Construction is slated to begin in December 2025, with the Kaduna government pledging continued support for initiatives that foster inclusive growth, strengthen food security, and enhance the state’s reputation as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse.
The announcement follows diplomatic tension earlier in the week, after China warned against foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, responding to reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump had directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action” over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
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