In a landmark move to boost Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Gombe state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Wednesday, commissioned a state-of-the-art seed processing factory, established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, Gombe state.
The ultra-modern facility, equipped with advanced machinery for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging high-quality, climate-resilient seed varieties, is poised to revolutionise seed supply across the North-east and beyond. It is expected to enhance productivity, increase yields for farmers, and support Nigeria’s transition to climate-smart agriculture.
While addressing dignitaries at the event, Chief Obasanjo hailed the initiative as a bold step towards sustainable economic development.
He praised Governor Yahaya’s foresight in creating the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, describing it as a catalyst for industrial and agricultural transformation.
“Seed is the foundation of agricultural success. If you get the seed wrong, the entire chain is compromised,” Obasanjo stated.
He noted the strategic value of locating the park close to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant to support uninterrupted industrial growth.
In his remarks, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Gombe as a national agro-industrial hub. He described the commissioning as a pivotal moment in realising the state’s vision of agricultural transformation.
“Premier Seed Nigeria Limited’s investment in this Industrial Park is a major stride towards our goal of turning Gombe into a thriving centre for agribusiness,” he said.
Governor Yahaya also highlighted other ongoing projects under his administration, including a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone that will house the international grains and livestock market, an integrated agro-processing corridor, and a modern abattoir.
He noted that these initiatives, alongside significant infrastructure investment, have earned Gombe top ratings in the national Ease of Doing Business index for two consecutive years.
“With over N22 billion invested and 85% of the infrastructure completed, we are not just launching a factory, we are unlocking a future of job creation, wealth generation, and sustainable economic growth,” the governor declared.
Managing Director of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, described the factory as the product of a strategic partnership with Propcom+, a UK-funded programme promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Country Director of Propcom+, Dr. Abiye Ode, described the commissioning as aligned with President Tinubu’s 12-point food security agenda and Gombe state’s broader agricultural vision.
Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Hon. Futuhu Mohammed, pledged the council’s continued support to uphold the quality of certified seeds, stressing the vital role of this facility in achieving Nigeria’s agricultural goals.