Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, said the Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $163m credit facility from the African Development Bank to be channelled into wheat production.
Gatekeepers News reports that State House Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, revealed this in a statement he signed.
He quoted Shettima to have stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu, Sumaila Mohammed, at his Palace in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria.
“We have obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme would be launched soon,” Shettima said.
However, the VP said the wheat cultivation programme requires at least 60,000 hectares of arable lands in Kebbi and Jigawa states.
While re-affirming the determination of the Tinubu administration to fulfill its promises, particularly in the agricultural sector, he said “We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with a cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production.”
He also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Giro, on behalf of President Tinubu, saying “This is a great loss to the state, nation, and West Africa.”
Earlier on arrival, the Vice President was received at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport in Birnin Kebbi by the State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris who accompanied him on the visit.
Also on the Vice President’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Umar Tafida; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and members of the Kebbi State Executive Council among others.
