Sokoto government, private firm to establish textile factory

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Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

A few months after commissioning a new fertiliser company, the Sokoto State Government is partnering with a private firm to establish a textile factory in the state.

The company, to be situated at Kalambaina in Wamakko LGA of the state, will have the capacity to produce 20,000 metric tonnes of finished products, and will provide employment opportunity about 2,000 people.

Speaking to newsmen on the project, the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Bashir Gidado, said 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 per cent equity share 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.

Gidado 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 per cent completion, and that the only thing left was to install some components of the machines, which were being awaited for delivery from abroad.