KOICA Explores Agricultural Investment Partnership With Nasarawa State

By Ado Umaru

Lafia - Masarawa. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), a key development partner with Nigeria, has expressed its commitment to investing in agricultural production in Nasarawa State.

The declaration was made during a stakeholder engagement between a KOICA delegation and the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Umar Tanko Tunga, in his office.

Led by Mr. Tofiq Braimah, Head of Program at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the delegation outlined KOICA's interest in conducting surveys and supporting the state to enhance its output of crops and other agricultural products.

Mr. Braimah explained that KOICA's mission is regional, having already begun bilateral cooperation in other African nations. He stated the agency's goal is to support partner countries in agriculture, smart education, and youth training in e-learning development to boost employment.

He further disclosed that KOICA would strongly consider establishing Nasarawa State as an investment base, pending strong cooperation from the state government.

In his response, an overwhelmed Commissioner Umar Tanko Tunga assured the delegation of the state government's readiness to welcome and support all serious investors.

He highlighted that Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, being an industrialist himself, has prioritized transforming the state, particularly in agriculture. As a testament to this commitment, the Commissioner cited the Governor's cultivation of a 3,000-hectare rice farm in Jangwa, a key project aimed at ensuring national food security.