Gov Inuwa Yahaya seeks agricultural partnership with Morocco’s OCP

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has taken his investment drive mission to the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP) in Morocco, the world’s largest producer of phosphate-based fertilizers and a global leader in sustainable agriculture.

This is part of the strategic push by Gombe State government to partner with global agricultural leaders to boost the agricultural production system, promote the processing industry, and encourage inclusive growth and economic prosperity of the state.

OCP, established in 1920, is the world’s largest exporter of raw phosphate, with extensive operations that span mining, processing, and fertilizer production. The company offers customized fertilizers that are tailored to meet specific agricultural needs. It is also a pioneer in integrating renewable energy solutions and unconventional water sources into its production processes, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

The Government of Gombe State is keen on exploring various partnership options with OCP, including fertilizer, renewable energy development, technical support, and investment opportunities for the state’s farmers and businessmen.

During the visit, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON emphasized the importance of this partnership for Gombe, an agrarian state where over 80% of the population is engaged in farming.

The Governor and his team were conducted on a comprehensive tour of the mining towns of Khouribga and Benguerir which are home to Morocco’s largest phosphate reserves.

Led by Daouah Sami, HSE Manager at OCP SA, the delegation witnessed firsthand the operations of the world’s largest phosphate fertilizer factory at Jorf Lasfar which produces an impressive 16 million tonnes annually.

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Mr. Sami informed the delegation that, possessing over 70% of the world’s phosphate rock supplies, Morocco has long occupied a unique and significantly advantageous position in the world’s agricultural scene.

He explained that the company is heavily investing in reliable and competitive renewable energy as a key pillar of its strategy to produce sustainable green fertilizers. This includes the development of solar energy and the mobilization of unconventional water sources.

He said given OCP’s substantial presence in Nigeria and its capability to supply over 90% of the country’s fertilizer demands, working with the Gombe State government through OCP’s Africa subsidiary is practical and a strategic move that has the potential to catalyze significant agricultural and economic growth lead to significant positive on related sectors in the State.

The two parties are expected to formalize this partnership arrangement soon to solidify the collaboration and pave the way for impactful development projects.

Meanwhile in a symbolic gesture to commemorate this landmark visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR each planted a tree at the OCP site to signify the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and land reclamation as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE