In a significant stride towards enhancing agricultural productivity, A multi-billion naira Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company situated at Larwin Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area has been commissioned and set to serve farmers within the middle belt part of Nigeria and beyond.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company Limited, Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum, while leading distinguished guests to the unavailing of the state-of-the-art facility assured farmers and citizens of Plateau State that the company’s commitment to uncompromised quality remains steadfast as it begins full-scale fertilizer manufacturing in Plateau State.
“Achieving sustainable agriculture to meet society’s food needs without compromising standard informed the vision of establishing the company, knowing fully well that Plateau State and other neighboring states comprised a huge agrarian population.” Dr. Godfrey said.
The Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the Plateau State Government and Oil and Chemical International (OCI) Limited, a subsidiary of the Duncan Group. The partnership, signed in August 2016, aims to establish and operate an ultra-modern NPK Fertilizer blending plant to ensure food security by boosting the productivity of the agrarian population of Plateau State and the country.
Dr. Godfrey revealed that the facility is managed by a skilled and dedicated team of highly qualified professionals. He highlighted the company’s participation in the Federal Government’s Presidential Fertilizer initiative, providing fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates.
Senator Rochas Okorocha, Chairman of the occasion, commended the project, emphasizing Plateau State’s agricultural potential. He predicted that the plant would boost agriculture and provide means of livelihood for many, urging the community to guard and protect the investment. He called on governments at all levels to prioritize agriculture and education for the nation’s prosperity.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, lauded the project, affirming that Plateau State is the food haven of Nigeria. He assured the company of the government’s support to ensure the plant serves farmers in the state and beyond.
Also speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Waziri Abba a Director in the Ministry, expressed delight at the project’s potential to address food deficiency by producing quality fertilizer. His Royal Highness Da Paul Tadi Tok, Gbong Gwom Jos and Gwom Rwey (District Head) of Heipang, commended the company’s location in his domain and pledged the community’s commitment to protecting the facility.
In goodwill messages, Plateau State Commissioner of Commerce Hon. Musa Sule, former Minister of Women Affairs Hon. Dame Pauline Tallen, and Amb. Yahaya Kwande applauded the establishment of the plant, recognizing its potential to generate employment and alleviate poverty. The Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, Mr. Ishaku Jilemsam, hailed the plant as a significant achievement for food security, addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by farmers.