…As Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, GOSIPA Pledge Support for Gov Inuwa’s Livestock Industrialization Vision

The Gombe State

 

Government, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has intensified efforts to reposition the state from a supplier of raw hides and skins to a competitive livestock processing hub capable of driving industrial growth, creating employment, and promoting sustainable economic development.

 

This commitment was further demonstrated when the Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project received officials of Istikhara Ventures Limited, who presented their proposal and formally expressed interest in establishing a Tannery and Leather Processing Factory as a key component of the state’s Agro-Livestock Development Zone.

 

Speaking during the engagement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Istikhara Ventures Limited, Abdullahi Abba Kabir, said the company, incorporated in 1994, has built a strong reputation in the tanning and leather industry, with operations and partnerships within and outside Nigeria.

 

He explained that the proposed Gombe Tannery Project is aimed at transforming the state from a producer of raw hides and skins into a centre for value addition and leather processing.

 

Abdullahi Kabir commended the Gombe State Government for creating an enabling environment for industrial growth, noting that the administration has provided critical infrastructure and incentives to attract investors.

 

“The Gombe Tannery Project will reposition the state from being a raw material supplier to a value-added processing hub, thereby creating wealth, generating employment, and improving livelihoods in line with the vision of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,” he stated.

 

He further noted that Gombe possesses comparative advantages over many Northern states due to its improving infrastructure, strong political will, and the government’s readiness to collaborate with private investors in harnessing the vast potential of the livestock sector.

 

As part of the presentation, the Managing Director showcased samples of finished leather products and highlighted the company’s modern machinery capable of processing hides and skins to international standards.

 

The company’s General Manager, Ahmad K. Abdullahi presented the firm’s profile, detailed the proposal for the tannery and leather factory, and outlined the projected timeline and implementation phases of the project.

 

In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, commended the state government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for prioritising the livestock sector as a strategic driver of economic growth.

 

He explained that the allocation of over 184 hectares of land for the Agro-Livestock Development Zone reflects the administration’s commitment to transforming the sector through value addition and industrialisation.

 

The zone is designed to accommodate key facilities such as the Ultramodern Abattoir, International Livestock Market, Grains and Feeds Market, Timber Market, Dry Port, Tannery/Leather Factory and other complementary infrastructure.

 

Prof. Abubakar announced the constitution of a technical committee comprising all relevant stakeholders to deliberate on the proposal, develop implementation modalities, and prepare a reference document for onward submission to His Excellency, the Governor, for consideration and approval.

 

He thanked Istikhara Ventures Limited for choosing Gombe as its preferred investment destination and assured the company of the government’s continued support in fostering sustainable livestock value chain development.

 

The interactive session featured contributions from key stakeholders, including representatives of the Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism; and the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency (GOSIPA).