The Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Malaysian firm, Bionas, to invest $199 million (N82.037 billion) for the production of bio-fuel from Jatropha plant in the state.
The MoU which was signed at the Government House Katsina on Tuesday will involve the management of domestic waste for clean energy production.
Governor Aminu Masari said the project, apart from its “unquantifiable economic benefits”, would help in preserving the environment and addressing issues of climate change.
He said, “The environment was saved for us and. it is now our responsibility to save the environment for future generations. So, as a government, we will continue to give all the necessary support to this project, to ensure that before we leave office in 2023, the project is properly on ground.”
In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Agriculture to the governor, Dr Abba Abdullahi, said the project was in line with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1, 7, 11, 13 and 17.
He said the two-in-one investment project consisting of Jatropha clusters and waste management for clean energy would consume $7m and $192m respectively.
Dr Abdullahi further said all the financial aspects would be handled by the firm, while Katsina government would provide land as equity, adding that it was also in partnership with the federal government.
He added that the project would be implemented in 11 frontline LGAs: Batsari, Baure, Daura, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Mai’Adua, Mashi, Zango, and Sandamu.
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