A firm, TGI Group has welcomed a Brazilian delegation to its WACOT Rice facility in Argungu, Kebbi State.
The meeting explored investment opportunities and reinforcef bilateral ties in agriculture and livestock development.
The visit, facilitated in partnership with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, highlighted Kebbi’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and TGI’s commitment to sustainable agribusiness growth.
The special adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Kolade Fasua, linked TGI’s growth to federal reforms.
“This visit demonstrates the tangible results of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. The growth we see in companies such as TGI Group and WACOT Rice, the expansion of local rice production, and the premium quality achieved are direct results of policies encouraging domestic production.
Kebbi State’s agricultural transformation is a model for the entire nation.”
During a tour of TGI’s rice processing facility, WACOT Rice Limited, Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman, TGI Group, underscored the impact of Kebbi’s business-friendly policies.
“What we have here in Kebbi is a perfect example of how public-private partnerships should work. Since we started operations in 2017, the Kebbi State government has provided consistent policy support, enabling us to grow from a small operation to a major contributor to Nigeria’s rice sufficiency,” he said. The company sources over 70% of its paddy from Kebbi farmers, with additional volumes sourced from neighbouring states to meet growing demand.
Cleber Oliveira Soares, Brazil’s Deputy Vice Minister of Agriculture, added: “The Brazilian government is committed to enhancing our partnership with Nigeria in agricultural production. We are particularly interested in collaborating on crops like corn, soybeans, and livestock development. What TGI has achieved here in rice production is exactly the success story we want to replicate across more agricultural value chains.”
The Brazilian delegation admired TGI’s world-class facilities and the quality of Nigerian rice production. Renato Franzner, representing the Brazilian Rice Association, remarked, “I am truly astonished by what I’ve seen here today. This facility is world-class by any standard – it can compete with the best rice mills in Brazil. The quality of the installations and the rice produced here is exceptional. We see tremendous collaboration and knowledge exchange opportunities as Brazil’s rice industry representatives.”
His Excellency, Dr. Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State, first received the delegation at the state house and emphasised the state’s readiness to collaborate with global partners. “Kebbi is Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse, and we are eager to leverage Brazil’s expertise in crop production, livestock, and agro processing to unlock new opportunities for our people,” the governor stated.
The entourage also visited the Emir of Argungu, HRH, for a courtesy visit. Alh Sama’ila Muhammad Mera was received with a rich cultural display of the Argungu Emirate.
The SDM, a high-level platform between Nigeria and Brazil, advances President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through economic diplomacy. Kebbi’s selection as a host state underscores its status as a prime investment destination, with TGI Group serving as a bridge for subnational partnerships.
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