Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni, has opened discussions with a Russian investment company, Legion Investment Moscow, over plans to establish gas-powered electricity plants for the state’s proposed Agro-Industrial Zone.
The initiative is aimed at providing reliable electricity for agro-processing, manufacturing, storage and other industrial activities expected to take place within the zone.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, following a visit by a delegation from the Russian firm to the Government House in Damaturu on Monday.
The delegation, led by Leonid Khasiev and accompanied by the company’s technical consultant, Rasim Azimov, visited the state as part of efforts to assess the feasibility and investment requirements of the proposed energy project.
According to the statement, the delegation is expected to inspect proposed project sites, undertake technical assessments and engage relevant government officials on the planned power solution.
The proposed gas-powered plants are expected to supply electricity to businesses operating within the Agro-Industrial Zone, including agro-processing companies, manufacturers, storage facilities and cold-chain operators.
The initiative is part of the state government’s broader plan to move Yobe’s agricultural sector beyond primary production by developing an integrated value chain covering production, aggregation, processing, storage, logistics and access to markets.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Buni expressed appreciation to Legion Investment Moscow for showing interest in investing in Yobe state.
The governor said the proposed partnership was consistent with his administration’s efforts to attract international investors and technical partners to support the state’s development priorities.
Buni said the successful development of the Agro-Industrial Zone would create opportunities for employment, promote value addition, stimulate industrial development and increase investment in the agricultural sector.
“Yobe State remains committed to building strategic partnerships that will unlock the economic potential of its agricultural resources and position the State as an attractive destination for agro-industrial investment,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing technical engagements would produce constructive outcomes and contribute to the successful realisation of the proposed Agro-Industrial Zone.