Enugu state Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) for establishment of an integrated modular organic liquid fertilizer manufacturing plant, cassava chips production and processing lines, as well as Biogas powered electrification green house schemes to boost agricultural development and renewable energy in the state .
Speaking at the event held , Tuesday, at Government House, Enugu, the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah said the signing of the MoU followed a comprehensive business proposal presented to him on May 9, 2025, by Tandem Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with FL Engineering Inc., Royal Strategic Entrepreneur LLC, and Grow Africa Limited, which outlined innovative projects aimed at boosting agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy in Enugu State.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah said the MoU signifies a strategic partnership to establish: an integrated Modular Organic Liquid Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant, Cassava chips production and processing lines, a biogas-powered electrification scheme, intelligent greenhouse scheme, and sustainable agricultural practices at Umuigbi-Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area
Pix: Prof Onyia and Okojie holding the MoU
Accordingto him, ” These initiatives align with Enugu State’s development goals of food security. industrialization, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.
” The project promises to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and position Enugu as a leader in sustainable agriculture and green energy., he said
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro- Industrialization ,Hon. Patrick Ubru, appreciated Governor Mbah’ s support and visionary leadership in fostering sustainable development in Enugu State.
“I want to tell you ,this government is strategic First and foremost, we started by acquiring lands to add to our cultivation space because when His Excellency came in we barely have a 115 ,000 hectares of land being cultivated in Enugu state , you know that is very small and cannot meet the production of our food demand in the state, let alone producing for our neighbouring states and export .
” So, we began to acquire 300,000 hectares of land to add to our cultivation space and today, by the grace of God we have acquired a 130,000 and more and communities are willing to give out lands to expand the production of agricultural based, based on the trust they have in His Excellency. You know how tenaciously ,we hold the land to our hearts at this side of the country.
“Secondly, His Excellency has also decided to mechanize agriculture, that’s why you are seeing establishment of tractor assembling and servicing plant and with over a hundred heads of tractors being already supplied and more are on the way and 800 tractors will be assembled here in Enugu, creating jobs for our teaming youths and women , ” Ubru said..
He said the next is for them to go into value addition. “That is why our partners came to establish a modular liquid organic fertiliser manufacturing company and also processing cassava into chips and other value chains the product of cassava has.
“Before now, the government decided to expand their production in cassava ..in 2023/2024, the government deliberately cultivated 1,0000 hectares of cassava.. Cassava is every where now. We have TM 419 as other varieties we have developed.Our farmers have free access to quality cassava stems and that’s why you are seeing our partners ” Ubru said..
Speaking further, he said ” So, now is for us to bring in partner with industries , companies that have capacity, to begin to establish these manufacturing companies that have capacity to begin to establish these manufacturing companies. Now, we are going into manufacturing of liquid fertilizer and other things will follow. Step by step approach h to agriculture,”.
He thanked the Office of the Attorney- General and the Commissioner for Justice for their diligent review and approval of the MoU.
He said the signing of the MoU followed the presentation, made by their partners and Governor Mbah’s approval of the partnership and authorization of the signing of the MoU
Hon. Ubru explained that the MoU, will serve as the foundation for the successful implementation of the projects.
He expressed the confidence that with the support of the Governor and the state government, “the venture will be transformative for Enugu State.”
Speaking with newsmen , one of the partners Prince Idris Okojie, from Washington,U.S.A. who led his team members, Jonny Lo , from Taiwan, Uche Nwadikwa from UK , said their idea of coming to Enugu state, started December , 18, 2024, when they approached the federal ministry of agriculture that referee them to four states ,one of which is Enugu state ,. ” However, we found favour more in Enugu state than any where. As a result, we decided to concentrate our business here .
“. So, what we have intended to do, to bring here , is to bring liquid organic fertiliser which is a very unique product ; to produce cassava processing plant ; also Bio- digester ( a system whereby we can produce many things, such as electricity for the people because they are modular)
” We can expand to any place . We can even sell the electricity to the public . Regards to our cassava chips, we intend to produce profit for the state , profit for the communities and as well as creat jobs. Jonas in two areas. We focus on women empowerment. We are very careful about that. We also empower youths. ” Within the scheme of things, we know that the value of our project bringing in to Enugu is a minimum. Of ,$9m and as time goes they hope to expand to $20m”, Okojie said.
On the capacity ,he said they targeted to produce 1000 tons of liquid organic fertiliser In the first month, and 1000 tons of cassava chips every month. He said they will form STV with the state and by middle of July, they will have their machineries in Enugu to start production of cassava chips first in August .
Author: Maureen Ikpeama