The Kaduna State Government has deepened its partnership with the People’s Republic of China through the launch of a $450 million Nigeria-China Poultry Project, a transformative agricultural initiative expected to generate more than 350,000 jobs and boost food production across the country.
Governor Uba Sani made the announcement on Thursday in Kaduna during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, and officials of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
Sani described the project’s commencement as a landmark achievement that would further strengthen economic and agricultural ties between Nigeria and China. He noted that Kaduna had been selected as the pilot state for the venture, underscoring the state’s growing reputation as a hub for agribusiness and industrial development.
“This visit is not just a diplomatic courtesy; it represents a defining step in our mission to attract transformative partnerships that will reinforce Kaduna’s position as a continental centre for agricultural and industrial excellence,” the governor said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Kaduna as the launch site, saying the decision reflects the state’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
“With agriculture contributing about 43 percent to our GDP and employing more than 60 percent of our citizens, this partnership will drive productivity, ensure food security, and create sustainable prosperity,” he added.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai praised Kaduna’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment, highlighting its policies, infrastructure, and proactive governance as factors that attract global investors.
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He reaffirmed China’s readiness to support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda and commended the state’s leadership for prioritizing collaboration and innovation in the sector.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, lauded the Kaduna State Government for swiftly approving and allocating over 7,000 hectares of land for the immediate takeoff of the poultry project.
Under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, the initiative will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle involving both the Chinese Government and the Kaduna State Government. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025.
The project covers a total of 10,000 hectares, including land dedicated to maize and soybean cultivation for poultry feed production. It is expected to generate 50,000 direct jobs and over 300,000 indirect jobs throughout the agricultural value chain.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering partnerships that promote inclusive economic growth, enhance food self-sufficiency, and consolidate Kaduna’s reputation as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse.
“This collaboration embodies the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda leveraging international partnerships to empower citizens, strengthen industries, and secure a prosperous future for all,” Sani concluded.
