Sokoto State government and Erisco Foods Ltd. have partnered to set up a committee for the establishment of a N50 billion food processing factory in the state.

According to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, the committee was set up to work with Erisco Foods Ltd., in order to fast the actualisation of the project. Tambuwal, who received officials of the company in his office on Thursday, November 19th, said that the state government was open to genuine investors, and would pursue friendly policies to encourage investment.

“Our policy of looking for Nigerian investors will continue, because the country has capable businessmen that will make the necessary difference in key areas. Establishment of the agro-based company will bring about development of the agricultural sector and provide job opportunities for our people.

“On our part, we will provide necessary incentives to encourage both local and international investors that want to invest in the state. Today’s visit shows the resolve of the government to accelerate the growth of the economy towards improving the living standards of the citizens,” Tambuwal said.

Chairman of Erisco Foods, Chief Eric Umeofia, reinstated the company’s commitment towards setting up the food processing factory and a tractor manufacturing company in the state. “We are discussing with our foreign partners on the possibility of establishing a manufacturing company with the capacity to produce 30,000 tractors annually,” he said.