Kebbi Deputy Governor, Retired Col. Sama’ila Yombe‑Dbai, announced on Wednesday that the state’s ethanol biofuel project, which is expected to require $86 million, will soon take off. He made the disclosure while speaking about new developments in the modular refinery project to be located at Danko Wasagu in Zuru Emirate, during a Cabinet Office meeting in Birnin Kebbi.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that about five years ago the state government formed a team, chaired by Prof. Muhammad Abubakar‑Ka’oje, to devise the modalities for the project. The modular refinery, to be jointly financed by the Kebbi State Government, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and 3D High‑Tech System, is expected to produce biofuel from cassava cultivated in the area. Yombe‑Dbai noted that a few days earlier he represented the governor in signing an agreement between NNPC, 3D High‑Tech System and Kebbi Investment.
Yombe‑Dbai assured that once established, the refinery will have the capacity to employ over 5,000 people and create a commercial environment for many residents. He said that after signing the agreement a clear path had been created to move to the site, and that in the next few days Danko Wasagu would host the groundbreaking ceremony. According to him, the project is unique in Nigeria and the only one of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
Team Leader Prof. Muhammad Abubakar‑Ka’oje revealed that the governor is very serious about the project, having pressured the team to actualise the biofuel dream. He noted that within less than a year of the project’s commencement, Governor Bagudu fulfilled all obligations on the part of the state government, adding, “We finished our own part of the bargain four years ago.” Abubakar‑Ka’oje attributed the delay in starting the project to the COVID‑19 pandemic and the complex nature of the venture, which required thorough preparation.
He expressed confidence that the project will bring democratic dividends to Kebbi State, including the provision of schools, construction of roads, and improvements in power, water supply and hospitals. The team leader also highlighted that the co‑investor has an emotional attachment to Zuru and is ready and willing to ensure the vision and mission of the project are realized.
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