Emmanuel Ukumba in Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government said it was targeting about N500 million annually as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from Dangote Sugar Refinery sited in Tunga village of the state.
This was disclosed in Lafia by the state commissioner for lands, survey and physical planning/project manager of Nasarawa Geographical Information System (NAGIS), Mr. Sonny Agassi, when despatching surveyors to commence survey of the 60,000 hectares of land acquired by the Dangote Group in Tunga for the construction of the sugar refinery in the state.
He said: “The 60,000 hectares of land acquired by Dangote Group have been compensated for. By using accurate survey data, we will produce Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). The group will pay ground rent to the state every year and we are expecting not less than N500 million annually.â€
“There was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Nasarawa State Government and the Group to build the largest sugar refinery in West African region in Tunga village. The sugar refinery is worth about $700 million and has a ripple effect that will create about 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.”
The lands and physical planning commissioner added that the sugar refinery also has value chains, as some of the byproducts of the sugar would be used to generate electricity.
“Ironically, the very Tunga village in the past couple of weeks almost become a theatre of war because of the clashes between herdsmen and farmers. With the establishment of this sugar refinery, in the next couple of years, with the byproducts, the herdsman doesn’t need to go to bush looking for food. He would be able to stay in one position and feed his animals as much as he wants.”
When receiving the team of surveyors for the demarcation of the 60,000 hectares of land for the Dangote Sugar Refinery, chairman of Awe Local Government Area, Hudu Tafida, assured the team of surveyors of adequate security to their lives and property.
“We are ready to give you maximum support. You should feel free to consult the council area for any assistance you need,†Tafida maintained.
