PRIORITY INVESTMENT SECTORS

AGRICULTURE​

Agribusiness is the largest economic sector in Kebbi State providing employment to a large population of the state. It is the pivot on which many agribusinesses and non-agri-related businesses thrive.

The emergence of processing industries has contributed to the growth of the sector in recent years, boosting commercial production and processing.

The availability of vast arable land, favourable climate conditions, long stretch of rivers, and relatively cost-effective labour gives the state a competitive advantage in crop production, cattle rearing, fisheries, and other farming activities.

Agricultural production takes place all year round with the aid of intensive and large-scale irrigated farming, this makes food available all seasons and adequate raw materials supply to industry all year round.

The growing demand for food in Nigeria positions Kebbi State as a food hub to reduce the supply gap and decrease dependence on food importation through investments in the Agribusiness sector.

Local Companies
Some of the existing investments in agriculture include Labana Rice, GB Foods, Walcot Rice, Dangote Mill.

 

The following observations are amongst the key findings related to the Agri-business sector:

  • Agriculture is the mainstay of Kebbi State, with over 80% of the population engaged in this sector, over a total cultivable land area of 1.6 million hectares.
  • An extensive network of rivers (Niger, Rima, Zamfara, and other minor rivers) traverse more than half of the state which greatly favors irrigated agriculture.
  • Kebbi State possesses a wide range of Agricultural produce, which includes Rice, Millet, Sorghum, Wheat, Cattle Rearing, Poultry, Fisheries, Sugar Cane, Bambara nut, Maize, Shea Nuts, Cotton, Sweet Potatoes, Onion, Pepper, Tomatoes, Forestry, Groundnut, Sesame seeds, Cassava, Vegetable, Beans.
  • Series of agricultural development programs have been carried out over the years in Kebbi State across various areas including human capacity development, food security, climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation strategies.

TOURISM AND CULTURE

Kebbi State, a multi-ethnic region, boasts a rich culture and stunning landscapes that offer immense potential for tourism development. The state is blessed with historical relics, captivating contemporary arts & crafts, and vibrant cultural festivals.

The global surge in interest toward history, culture, and adventure has amplified the demand for tourism and cultural experiences. Some of the notable festivals in Kebbi State include:

  • Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
  • Rigata and Cultural Festival of Yauri.
  • Uhola Cultural Festival in Zuru.
  • Huttungo Festival in Suru Local Government.

Beyond these festivals, Kebbi presents a myriad of tourism attractions, spanning rich historical sites, adventurous destinations, wildlife sanctuaries, and archaeological wonders. Noteworthy sites include the Birnin-Kebbi Royal Horse Racing Club, the tomb of the renowned scholar Sheikh Abdullahi of Gwandu (brother to Sheikh Usman Danfodio), historic battlefields from famous jihad wars, the Girmace shrine in Zuru, lush forest reserves ideal for game hunting, and numerous high-potential tourist sites.

SOLID MINERALS

Kebbi State stands among the most endowed states in Nigeria, boasting a diverse array of prominent minerals, including Gold, Gemstones, Limestone, Iron ore, Kaolin, Salt, Potash, Coal, Muscovite, Lithium, Bauxite, Granite, and Manganese.

As outlined by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigeria harbors 44 different mineral types in significant commercial quantities, with seven tagged as strategically crucial for immediate development. Notably, Kebbi State possesses four of these crucial minerals: Gold, Iron ore, Coal, and Limestone. The state’s abundant commercial deposits of various high-quality industrial minerals hold potential for both domestic utilization and export markets.

The solid minerals sector in Kebbi State presents an opportunity for rapid economic growth. It is a focal point for the federal government, offering several incentives for potential investors. Currently, there is limited competition in this sector, further enhancing its attractiveness for investment.

POWER - RENEWABLE ENERGY

Due to inadequate power supply, a considerable portion of energy consumption relies on privately owned alternate energy sources, mainly power generators. To address these challenges, renewable energy emerges as a viable solution. Kebbi State, strategically located, holds one of the highest potentials for renewable energy in Nigeria.

Advantages within this sector in the State encompass:

  • Very high solar irradiation.
  • Abundance of river systems and exploitable dams.
  • Status as one of the highest producers of sugarcane & maize, essential for ethanol production.

This sector is deemed a priority due to its potential to generate revenue, create jobs, facilitate skill transfer, and establish linkages with other industries. Development in the power sector, using sustainable means, becomes pivotal for meeting the current energy needs, particularly in propelling sectors like agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, and others.

The investment viability in this sector is evident from the recent Memorandum of Understanding inked in 2017 between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Kebbi State Government. This agreement aimed to establish an ethanol production company, signifying the state’s commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives.

The potential for generating renewable energy using solar, hydropower, wind, and biomass is enormous in the State. There is a massive opportunity for investors to offer renewable energy solutions for communities within the state and facilitate transmission to other neighboring states.

Other investment areas encompass:

  • Power generation through the establishment of independent power projects via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
  • Providing technical and financial support to harness the substantial megawatt potential of hydroelectric power in the state.
 
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