In a major boost to Nasarawa State’s agricultural sector, multinational conglomerate Lee Group has announced plans to invest $35 million in agricultural development across the state.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by Lee Group’s Project Director, Wilkins Lam, to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Friday. The investment will focus on rice, sugarcane, sesame, and peanut production, alongside the establishment of modern processing facilities aimed at boosting value addition.
Governor Sule, a consistent advocate for investment-driven growth, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, describing it as a transformative opportunity for Nasarawa’s economy. He commended Lee Group’s commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, likening their impact to that of major industry players such as Flour Mills of Nigeria.
Emphasizing Nasarawa’s vast agricultural potential, Governor Sule highlighted the state’s abundant water resources from the Deb, Ribi, Mada, and Benue Rivers, as well as the Farin Ruwa Dam, positioning the state as a prime location for sugarcane production.
“If I had your vision and resources, I would invest in sugarcane first,” Sule told the delegation. “Nigeria’s sugar demand is enormous, and with 30,000 hectares of land, no refinery can compete with you.”
Governor Sule pledged his administration’s full support, offering to personally assist in site inspections, expedite paperwork, and facilitate community engagements to ensure swift project commencement.
Wilkins Lam revealed that Lee Group had conducted extensive feasibility studies in Nasarawa following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024. Plans include developing 5,000 hectares of rice farmland, a modern rice mill, a $20 million sugar factory to complement existing operations in Jigawa State, and the expansion of sesame and peanut production using high-yield seed varieties.
“This is just the beginning,” Lam said. “We are committed to long-term investments in Nasarawa State and appreciate the governor’s support.”
Dr. Mohammed Umar Maje, Lee Group’s Director of Agriculture, showcased the group’s innovative agricultural technologies, including a rice variety yielding up to 10 tons per hectare—far above the national average—and a high-oil-content peanut strain capable of producing 6–7 tons per hectare.
Meanwhile, A.B. Mahmoud, SAN, the group’s legal adviser, praised Nasarawa’s business-friendly environment, stating that the state has become a model for investment in Nigeria. He confirmed that preliminary community engagements, led by the Andoma of Doma, have begun to secure local support for the project.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), noted that the Lee Group’s interest in Nasarawa was first expressed during the 2024 investment summit. He revealed that a proposed 5,000-hectare site in Doma Local Government Area has been identified, with feasibility studies and community consultations already underway.
With the Lee Group’s landmark investment, Nasarawa State is poised to solidify its reputation as a leading agricultural and industrial hub in Nigeria, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing food security across the region.
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