Plateau State, Nigeria – A major step towards agricultural advancement has been taken with the official commissioning of the Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company, a multi-billion naira state-of-the-art facility located in Larwin Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. This modern plant promises to serve farmers not only within the middle belt region of Nigeria but also across the country.
Commitment to Quality and Food Security
Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company Limited, assured farmers and citizens of Plateau State of the company’s unwavering dedication to producing high-quality fertilizers. He emphasized the vision behind establishing the plant:
“Achieving sustainable agriculture to meet society’s food needs without compromising standard informed the vision of establishing the company, knowing fully well that Plateau State and other neighboring states comprised a huge agrarian population.”
A Public-Private Partnership for Progress
The Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the Plateau State Government and Oil and Chemical International (OCI) Limited, a subsidiary of the Duncan Group. This collaboration, formed in August 2016, aims to establish and operate a modern NPK Fertilizer blending plant. The ultimate goal is to enhance food security by boosting the productivity of farmers in Plateau State and beyond.
Skilled Workforce and Government Support
Dr. Godfrey highlighted the company’s skilled and dedicated team of professionals managing the facility. He also noted their participation in the Federal Government’s Presidential Fertilizer initiative, providing fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates.
Senator Rochas Okorocha, who chaired the commissioning ceremony, praised the project, acknowledging Plateau State’s significant agricultural potential. He expressed his belief that the plant would not only revolutionize agriculture but also create numerous livelihood opportunities. He urged the community to safeguard this valuable investment and called on all levels of government to prioritize agriculture and education for the nation’s prosperity.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, commended the project and reaffirmed Plateau State’s position as the “food haven of Nigeria.” He pledged the government’s continued support to ensure the plant’s success in serving farmers both within the state and across the nation.
A Beacon of Hope for Food Security
Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Gwom Rwey of Heipang, the Plateau State Commissioner of Commerce, and other dignitaries all applauded the establishment of the plant. They recognized its potential to generate employment, alleviate poverty, and address the critical challenge of food security by producing high-quality fertilizer.
The opening of the Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This modern facility, combined with skilled personnel and dedicated government support, promises to be a driving force in enhancing food production and ensuring a brighter future for farmers and the nation as a whole.
