Taraba gets $268m from ECOWAS to boost agriculture, energy production

The Taraba State Government has received a total sum of $268.63 million (over ₦400 billion) investment from the ECOWAS Bank to boost agriculture, energy and industrial development.

The funding, which is secured through the State’s Ministry of Energy and Economic Development, will be channeled into four major projects, a 10,000-hectare rice farm equipped with an integrated irrigation system, a state-of-the-art 16 tonne capacity rice mill, a new industrial park with agro-processing and logistics clusters, and a 50 megawatt solar power plant to enhance the state’s renewable energy capacity.

Naomi Tanko Agbu, Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, while speaking on the development, described the investment as the culmination of months of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

She noted that the projects are aligned with Agbu Kefas, Taraba State governor’s development agenda, which prioritises security, infrastructure, industrial growth and investment attraction.

“These projects represent a bold step forward for Taraba,” Engr. Tanko stated. “They reflect the vision of Governor Kefas to reverse years of underdevelopment through high-impact, practical initiatives.

Tanko further praised the collaborative efforts that led to the investment deal, acknowledging the commitment of Governor Agbu Kefas, Ministry officials, consultants and partners who played key roles in the process.

She urged citizens to stay engaged and supportive as implementation began, emphasising a shared responsibility in building the State’s future. “Our guiding principle is togetherness. Let’s build Taraba together under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas,” she said.

The projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and position Taraba as a leading hub for agriculture and renewable energy in both Nigeria and the wider West African region.