Kaduna: The Kaduna State Government and the People’s Republic of China have launched a $450 million Nigeria-China Poultry Project aimed at creating over 350,000 jobs and enhancing agricultural productivity. Governor Uba Sani made this announcement in Kaduna during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, and officials from the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project, set to begin its pilot phase in Kaduna, symbolizes a significant step in strengthening economic and agricultural ties between Nigeria and China. Governor Sani emphasized that this initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and highlights Kaduna’s rise as a center for agro-industrial development. He remarked that the visit was a crucial move in attracting transformative partnerships to reinforce Kaduna’s agricultural and industrial leadership in Africa.
Governor Sani praised President Tinubu for selecting Kaduna as the pilot state, considering it a testament to the state’s leading role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He noted that agriculture contributes 43% to Kaduna’s GDP and employs over 60% of its citizens, and this partnership is expected to boost productivity, sustainable growth, and food security.
Mr. Dunhai commended Kaduna’s efforts in establishing a stable and investor-friendly environment, crediting the state’s policies and infrastructure for attracting global investors. He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and appreciated the proactive engagement of the state government with development partners.
Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of NCSP, acknowledged the swift approval and allocation of more than 7,000 hectares of land by the Kaduna State Government for the project’s immediate commencement. The Nigeria-China Poultry Project, executed under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, will be managed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) involving both the Chinese Government and the Kaduna State Government. Construction is slated to begin in December 2025.
The project will span 10,000 hectares, including areas for maize and soybean cultivation for poultry feedstock. It is expected to generate 50,000 direct jobs and over 300,000 indirect jobs across the agricultural value chain. Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to partnerships fostering inclusive economic growth, enhancing food security, and solidifying Kaduna’s status as Nigeria’s agricultural heartland.