By Abel Daniel, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Government has entered into a partnership with Silvex International, a global rice processing company, to introduce NASACCO rice into the Nigerian market.

Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed this on Monday during the launch of the state’s 3,300-hectare rice harvest in Jangwa, Awe Local Government Area.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the bumper harvest and the new partnership, noting that it will help position Nasarawa among states producing high-quality processed rice in large quantities.

“Silvex International is a global rice processing company with mills in Kogi and Abuja. My ultimate goal is to enter a public-private partnership with a competent private company, and we have found that today,” Sule said.

He added that the collaboration would allow for further expansion of rice cultivation in the state.

“We started with 2,000 hectares last year, expanded to 3,300 hectares this year, and by next year we will move to 5,000 hectares,” he stated.

Sule noted that the rice farming initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that it has created significant job opportunities for citizens working on farms in Jangwa and Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area.

In his remarks, the Project Lead for Nasarawa and Chief Operating Officer of Silvex International, Mr. Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, said the partnership reflects Governor Sule’s commitment to transforming the agricultural value chain in the state and across Nigeria.

He described Silvex as an integrated agribusiness company with a processing capacity of over 460 metric tons per day across its two factories.

“It has been a challenge to source quality paddy at competitive prices for the Nigerian market. Fortunately, we have found a reliable partner in Nasarawa State, which is what we are celebrating today,” he said.

Mr. Abubakar explained that Silvex engaged the state through NASIDA to secure farmland to produce the paddy required for its factories.

He praised the governor for ensuring that communities were fully integrated into the project.

“When we requested 10,000 hectares of land, the governor insisted that communities must be an integral part of the project. Beyond taxes and value chain benefits, Nasarawa will share in the end profits of this venture,” he said.

He described the paddy varieties grown—Faro 44 and Faro 69—as some of the best available, adding that the quality in Nasarawa is “top-notch.”