Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a modern poultry production project by TORQ Agro Nigeria Limited at Barawa Forest, Batagarawa Local Government Area. Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said the project, sited on a 10-hectare land allocated by the state government, would help address the nutritional gap by providing affordable, high-quality animal protein in the form of eggs, while also strengthening livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.
He noted that the ceremony marked more than the commencement of construction, but the planting of a “seed of opportunity, shared prosperity and sustainable growth” for Katsina State. The governor emphasised the importance of the poultry industry to Nigeria’s agricultural economy, particularly its role in employment generation and food supply. He added that strict biosecurity and hygiene standards would be enforced to ensure safe production.
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Mr Radda said the project reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for agribusiness, assuring investors and farmers of protection, stability and community inclusion. He commended TORQ Agro Nigeria Limited for choosing Katsina as the location for the investment, noting that the decision reflected confidence in the state’s potential and aligned with the government’s development agenda, Building Your Future, which prioritises agriculture, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
“This farm is more than an economic venture; it is a legacy project that can be achieved when government and the private sector come together in trust and purpose,” the governor stressed. Governor Radda stated that the investment offers inspiration to local farmers, provides employment opportunities for youths, improves nutrition for communities, and positions Katsina State as a hub for value-added agriculture in Northern Nigeria. The governor urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the project delivers lasting impact in food security, job creation and economic growth.
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Earlier, the Director of TORQ Agro Nigeria Ltd., Mr Brian Ferreira, praised the Katsina State Government for “creating an environment where investors can operate confidently and sustainably.” He described TORQ Agro Nigeria as a subsidiary of TORQ Commodities, a global agribusiness group with 17 offices across Africa, Europe, and Asia, operating in countries such as Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Vietnam, the UK, and Switzerland.
“Our commitment is to strong agricultural value chains and global food security,” he said. Mr Ferreira explained that TORQ’s work in Nigeria includes the export of sesame and soybeans, along with previous activities in hibiscus, ginger, cashew, and minerals. He said the company is expanding its footprint in Katsina as part of its long-term industrial growth plan. He noted that TORQ already operates two warehouses in Malumfashi and Kafin-Soli, used to aggregate sesame and soybeans directly from farmers in partnership with the Katsina State Ministry of Agriculture.
“This strengthens rural income, market access, and supply chains,” he said. The Director confirmed TORQ’s investment of ₦44 million in the Katsina Green Economic Zone, describing the company as one of its pioneer investors. He announced a major upcoming project—a $3.5 million (₦5 billion) poultry farm and hatchery with a 300,000-layer capacity, sitting on 10 hectares allocated by Governor Dikko Radda.
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“The groundbreaking will take place this week,” he stated, saying the project will boost protein supply, create jobs, and deepen value chains. Mr Ferreira also revealed plans for a soya beans processing and oil refinery plant worth over $30 million (₦42 billion) on 5 hectares at the Agricultural Mechanisation Zone, Tashar Bala. “This will position Katsina as a major agro-industrial hub,” he said. He added that feasibility studies and business plans for both projects were completed with KPMG and Kaduna Business School, ensuring viability and sustainability.
On expected benefits, he stated: “These investments will create jobs, build skills, transfer technology, grow the state’s revenue, and support a stronger, diversified economy.” Mr Ferreira reaffirmed TORQ’s commitment: “We are here to partner with the government and the people of Katsina. TORQ is investing in people, in prosperity, and in the future of this state.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Ahmed Muhammad Bakori, said the state has donated 10 hectares of land to the Indian investors for the project. He added that the ministry is “fully committed to growing ruminants, fisheries, poultry and other key livestock areas.” He added that the project “will create new jobs for Katsina people and support the state’s drive for wider employment opportunities.” Mr Bakori, a professor, thanked TORQ Agro Ltd for partnering with the state, saying the support will strengthen Katsina’s poultry programme.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government, Yahaya Lawal Kawo, praised the project, saying it “will bring real benefits to our people.” He added that Batagarawa is “fully behind the government and ready to support the work to succeed.” The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita, handed the land certificate to Mr Brian Ferreira, Director of TORQ Agro Nigeria Ltd.
The Commissioner said the gesture “shows the state’s full support for investors and for Katsina’s agro-industrial growth.” Mr Ferreira, while receiving the document, said it “gives TORQ the green light to push ahead with our projects in Katsina.” Those in attendance were top management staff of TORQ, Hon Abubakar Albaba; district heads as well as elders of Batagarawa town.
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