Yobe Explores Partnership Opportunities With World’s Largest Fertilizer Plant
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
In a bid to resuscitate its dormant fertilizer blending plant, Yobe state government has sent a delegation to explore areas of partnership with the world’s largest fertilizer plant in Morocco.
The OCP/Jorf Lasfar fertilizer company produces up to 15 million tonnes of fertilizer annually.
According to a statement by Mamman Mohammed, DG Press and Media Affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni, the team will explore areas of cooperation with the company.
The team led by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, has the commissioners of Agriculture, Mustapha Goniri; Higher Education, Prof. Bello Kawuwa; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Adamu Jajere; and the Chairman of Damaturu Local government Area, Bukar Adamu.
Conducting the team round the company, the Information Officer of the facility, Amine Jamaleddine, said OCP/Jorf Lasfar is the biggest fertilizer company in the world with an all year-round production capacity.
“lt has a production capacity of 15 million tonnes of fertilizer annually. The complex has about 20,000 staff producing and supplying fertilizer to all parts of the world,” she added.
The official expressed the readiness of the company to partner with Yobe state government to resuscitate the dormant state-owned fertilizer plants.
Earlier, the team leader, Baba Malam Wali, expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the company and its commitment to work with the state to resuscitate the Yobe fertilizer company.
“The Governor Buni administration has strong commitment to reviving the factory to meet the fertilizer needs of farmers in the state, generate employment and export excess to improve the revenue of the state.
In his comments, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mustapha Goniri, said the revival of the fertilizer firm will add significant value to the ongoing revolution in the agricultural sector in the state.
“Last year the state government launched a massive agricultural empowerment programme with 100 tractors, solar pumps, irrigation facilities, other farm implements, fertilizer, improved seeds, herbicides and pesticides among others, and distributed to farmers free of charge.
“Again, last month, additional 40 tractors were procured by the state government to boost crop production and enhance food security, and for exports to improve the revenue of the state” Goniri said.
The consultants to the state government, African Network center, expressed optimism that the partnership would be beneficial to both parties.
“The government and people of Yobe state would benefit immensely from this partnership which would ensure food sufficiency and security.
“l have seen the great commitment by His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni to improve agriculture in Yobe state, and we are putting everything in the right place to make this partnership succeed, and for Yobe state government to succeed.”
Meanwhile, Governor Buni will join the team in Morocco for partnership in other areas including education and direct investment.
