Duncan group commissions fertilizer blending plant in Plateau

The Duncan Group of Companies has commissioned a multi-billion-naira fertilizer-blending firm, “Duncan Feterlizer Company,” in Plateau State to boost agriculture and food security in Nigeria.

Speaking during the commissioning at Heipang in the Barakin-Ladi local government area of Plateau State, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Dr. Godfrey Shitgurum, assured that the company will ensure adequate supply of fertilizer to farmers and will not compromise standards as it commences full-scale production.

Dr.Shitgurum said Duncan Group is committed to achieving sustainable agriculture to meet the needs of farmers in the country, in line with the vision of the company, which takes cognizance of the huge agrarian population.

He mentioned that the company is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Plateau State Government and Oil and Chemical International (OCI) Limited, which is a subsidiary of the Duncan Group.

Dr. Shitgurum further narrated that the partnership was signed in August 2016 for the purpose of establishing and operating an ultra-modern NPK fertilizer blending plant that will ensure food security for all by boosting the productivity of the agrarian population of Plateau State and the country at large.

The Chairman of the occasion, who was the former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, said Plateau State is endowed with huge potential, with agricultural potential being one, adding that the plant would boost agriculture and provide means of livelihood to many who would be gainfully engaged.

Senator Okorocha appreciated the people of the Heipang Community for allowing the investment in their domain and urged them to guard and protect it jealously. He also implored the government at all levels to focus more on the agriculture and education needs of Nigerians.

Also speaking, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the State Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, pointed out that Plateau State is the food basket of Nigeria owing to its agricultural endowment that is capable of feeding the nation and African sub-region.

According to his “The Time is Now” and “The Land is Green” mantras, the present government is set to deploy practical and workable interventions that would boost productivity and address the food shortages being witnessed across Nigeria.

He said sitting the project in Plateau State is an indication that Dr. Godfrey Bawa believes in the Plateau dream and assured the company that the government will do all within its power to ensure that the plant continues to serve farmers in the state and beyond.

The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Waziri Abba, commended Duncan Group for its focus, initiative, and passion to develop agriculture, adding that production-quality fertilizer has the propensity to address food deficiency.