RABIU IBRAHIM
A new tomato processing factory and farm expansion by the Spanish multinational group, GB Foods, have been commissioned in Gafara, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The commissioning took place on Friday and was witnessed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris.
The company cultivates 1,500 hectares of tomato. It has 5,000 workers, 70 percent of whom are women. The tomato processing plant has capacity for 620 metric-tonnes per day.
GB Foods plans to double the capacity of the plant in the next expansion phase. When completed, the farm and processing facility will be the biggest integrated tomato project in Africa.
Idris, who called on foreign investors to emulate the long-term commitment of GB Foods in Nigeria, said, “This project is a good example of that. We thank GB Foods for believing and investing in Nigeria, and I want to assure you that you will receive all the support you require to continue to invest”.
“For those who say that it’s only bad stories coming out of Nigeria, this is a very good story to tell. At a time when the media is saying all foreigners, all investors are leaving the country, GB Foods is investing more and more here,” he stated.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said: “This is a sign that there is confidence in Nigeria, under the able leadership of President Tinubu, for foreign investors to come and invest”.
He expressed the administration’s gratitude to Kebbi State for creating an enabling environment for business. “Let me say that this is the second time I’m coming to Kebbi State in a little over a month. First, I visited a Rice Mill, the largest in West Africa, and today I’m visiting the largest tomato factory in Africa, all in Kebbi State”.
After the farm visit and a symbolic participation in the tomato harvesting process, Minister Idris joined his colleagues and other dignitaries for the commissioning and tour of the new plant.
The ceremony also had in attendance the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and former Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; members of the National Assembly representing Kebbi State, members of the Kebbi State Executive Council, the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Juan Sell, and senior executives of GB Foods, including the global CEO, Ignasi Ricou; Africa CEO, Vicenç Bosch; and General Manager, Nigeria, Vincent Egbe.