Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday joined Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to inaugurate the state-of-the-art Seed Processing Factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, Gombe.
Fitted with cutting-edge technology for the cleaning, grading, treating and packaging of certified, high-quality and climate-resilient seed varieties, the plant is expected to transform seed supply across the Northeast and Nigeria at large by enabling farmers to access improved seedlings, achieve higher yields, and build resilience to climate change.
Obasanjo commended the governor for his foresight and determination in establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which he described as “a noble initiative and a catalyst for sustainable economic development.”
The former president emphasized the central role of seed in agricultural productivity, noting that “Seed is the most indispensable input in agriculture. If you don’t get the seed component right, the entire value chain becomes shaky”.
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He further noted that the proximity of the Industrial Park to the 40 megawatts Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant positions Gombe advantageously for industrial takeoff, commending Premier Seed for equipping the facility with top-tier machinery capable of delivering quality, certified, climate-smart seeds.
Governor Yahaya said the commissioning represents the fulfillment of his administration’s vision for agricultural transformation and industrialisation.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position Gombe as a leading agro-industrial hub in Nigeria. Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, as the pioneer investor in this Industrial Park, is helping us translate our vision into reality,” the governor stated.
He appreciated former President Obasanjo for his enduring support to agricultural development and noted that the Dadinkowa Dam and Hydropower projects are among enduring legacies driving Gombe’s industrial ambitions.
Yahaya said that his administration has introduced far-reaching reforms and invested heavily in infrastructure to create an enabling environment for investment.
“These efforts have earned Gombe the top spot in Ease of Doing Business rankings for 2021 and 2022,” the governor said.
Highlighting the scale of investment, he said: “The 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is a bold step in our industrialization agenda. Phase I is already yielding results with companies like Premier Seeds leading the way. The Park is fully equipped with roads, water supply, electricity, internet connectivity, and all essential support infrastructure.”
He also cited complementary developments such as the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone, which will feature an International Grains and Livestock Market, a modern abattoir, an inland dry port, and an integrated agro-processing corridor.
“We are not just commissioning a building, we are unlocking opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, and long-term economic transformation. Gombe State is open for business.”
Premier Seed Nigeria Limited Managing Director Ibitoye Oyewale said the factory is the result of a collaborative effort between Premier Seeds and Propcom+, a UK-funded programme that supports climate-smart agriculture.
Country Director of Propcom+, Dr. Abiye Ode, described the project as a critical milestone.
“This commissioning is in line with President Tinubu’s 12-point agenda on food security and Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of transforming Gombe’s agricultural economy,” Ode said.
Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Futuhu Mohammed, commended Premier Seeds’ initiative, stating that the council will continue to ensure all seeds produced and distributed in Nigeria meet federal quality standards.
He noted that the facility’s inauguration aligns with government’s strategy to transform agriculture into a major employer and economic driver.
Trade, Investment and Tourism Commissioner for, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, said the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park was conceived by Governor Inuwa Yahaya to position Gombe as an industrial hub, generate employment, and boost the state’s economy.
“With over N22 billion already invested and 85% of the Park’s infrastructure completed, Gombe is ready to host Nigeria’s next wave of industrial investors,” he stated.