…Acquires 260,000 hectares of land for Sugar plantation
By Doyin Ojosipe
Business Mogul and Chairman, Dangote group of companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has said that the company was interested in the development of the Nigerian mining sector.
According to him, the high profile mines in Nigeria had been licensed to those that do not have the capacity to develop them and as such has such led to the expiry period of agreement.
In his words “high profile mines in Nigeria has been licensed to those who do not have the requisite capacity to develop them and the time frame given them has expired.” while noting that the firm was ready to partner with the federal government on public private partnership (PPP), he added that the firm has partnered with one of the leading companies, Andre de Coulters, who is responsible for about 44,000mw power capacity.
In a courtesy visit to the Vice President, yesterday, Dangote also disclosed that the firm has acquired 260,000 hectares of land which will be used to develop sugar plantations in Adamawa and Taraba states, while plans are on ground to acquire more lands in Bauchi and Yobe States as well.
Similarly, he mentioned that about 56,000 hectares of land had also been acquired in kebbi state” while payment for r compensation to those affected has commenced.” He added that 50,000 hectares of land was also acquired in Kogi and Kwara sataes for sugar cane plantation as well.
The business mogul explained that “ the sugar plantation was planned to produce about 1.5million metric tonnes of sugar, Ethanol, Bio-compost and animal feeds and would generate about 360mw which was above the firms requirements.” While the remaining megawatts would be transferred to the national grid for distribution to the host communities.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Umar Sani quoted the Vice President, Arc Namadi Sambo to have said that plans were being made to cancel the licenses of the underperforming miners while throwing it to the public to attract more serious investors
He commended the firm for such a huge investment and also promised government co-operation in the public private partnership (PPP) as well.
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