Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has secured significant interest from Chinese investors in agriculture, energy, and industrial development, following high-level talks with a delegation from the China Overseas Engineering Group Company (COVEC).
The strategic meeting, held at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, also had in attendance officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
COVEC, a major player in global infrastructure and engineering, expressed readiness to invest in key areas of the state’s economy, with plans to establish an integrated agricultural park and leverage renewable energy solutions.
According to the company, the proposed agricultural hub would focus on large-scale mechanised farming, agro-processing, livestock development, and export-driven value chains.
COVEC also aims to introduce advanced Chinese agricultural technologies to support rural transformation and sustainable development in the state.
Gov. Yahaya, assured the investors of Gombe’s conducive business environment, citing the state’s strategic location, pro-investment policies, and abundant natural resources as key advantages.
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“Gombe is a viable destination for investment, particularly in agriculture, commerce, and enterprise.
“We are ready to receive investors and offer all necessary incentives to encourage them,” the governor stated.
He highlighted existing infrastructure to support such ventures, including the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park near the Dadinkowa Dam, which houses a 40-megawatt hydroelectric power plant.
Gov. Yahaya also pointed to the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve and a developing livestock zone as further opportunities in the livestock sector.
The governor emphasized the potential of Gombe’s water infrastructure, particularly the Balanga Dam, which has the capacity to irrigate over 11,000 hectares of farmland—ideal for commercial agriculture.
On solid minerals, Gov. Yahaya noted the state’s significant deposits of limestone, uranium, and other resources suitable for industrial ventures such as cement production and mineral processing.
“We are fully prepared to partner with serious investors to harness our God-given resources for the benefit of our people and our economy,” he affirmed.
The leader of the COVEC delegation described the engagement as insightful and strategic, noting that the team gained a clear understanding of Gombe’s economic potential.
He added that a follow-up visit to Gombe State would be scheduled soon to lay the foundation for full-scale investment.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the NIPC, Director of Strategic Services Abubakar Yarima commended the initiative, stating that the proposed projects could attract substantial foreign direct investment, generate employment, and integrate small holder farmers into the agricultural value chain.
“The central location and enabling policies of Gombe make it a natural hub for agro-industrial growth,” Yarima said.
