By Najem Francis, Sokoto
A few months after commissioning a new fertiliser plant, Sokoto state government is poised to establish a textile factory in partnership with a private firm.
The factory which will have the capacity to produce 20,000 metric tonnes of finished products and provide employment opportunity to about 2,000 people, is to be be located at Kalambaina in Wamakko Local Government Area of the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Alhaji Bashir Gidado, told newsmen that all arrangements have been concluded for the successful take off of the project.
“We’re partnering with a company, Hijra Nigeria Ltd, to establish a textile factory in Sokoto. The state government will have a 40 percent equity state in the company and we expect to start production towards the end of 2017.
“As you may be aware, we have abundant raw materials in the state. Large sections of our people are cotton farmers so this company will provide a ready market for their products. We are also in touch with others from neighbouring states like Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara.
“By the time the company is fully on stream, it will provide employment opportunities, create wealth and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people of the state,” he added.
He said the state government would continue to explore the advantages in PPP arrangement because it has proven to be successful in other climes.
“In May this year, a new organic fertiliser plant was commissioned here in Sokoto. The government stake in that is also 40 percent. We have enjoyed the benefit of working closely with private investors so I am confident this textile initiative will also come on stream as scheduled,” he said.
According to him, work on the project has already reached 70 percent completion, and that what was remaining was the installation of some components of the machines which were being expected from abroad.
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