In a significant move to boost food security and youth employment, the Lamido of Adamawa has approved the allocation of 2,000 hectares of fertile land for the establishment of a modern agricultural hub in Adamawa State.
The initiative is reportedly part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, which will be spearheaded by Business Development Managers Consultancy Services (BDMCs) in collaboration with the Adamawa Emirate Council and the Adamawa State Government.
Unveiled during a meeting at the Lamido’s palace, the agricultural hub was reportedly designed to be a fully integrated agribusiness platform. It will cover all facets of agriculture from cultivation and processing to packaging, export, and training. The project is projected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for youths across the state.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at BDMCs-Nigeria, Abubakar Umar Al-Umar, lauded the Lamido for his visionary support of the project, stating that the hub will focus on cultivating high-demand crops such as yellow maize, sesame seeds, ginger, turmeric, soybeans, and hibiscus.
He also confirmed plans for livestock and fisheries operations, including goat farming, poultry farming, milk production, fish production, cow fattening, and animal husbandry.
“BDMCs, in partnership with the Adamawa Emirate Council, is developing this agricultural hub on the 2,000 hectares of fertile land generously provided by His Royal Highness. This land has been surveyed and confirmed highly suitable for the project,” he said.
Representing the Lamido, Emirate Secretary Umar Yahaya affirmed the council’s continued support for initiatives aimed at driving development and ensuring food security in Adamawa.
Chief Peter Alex Olayinka, Vice Chairman of BDMCs, described the project as a groundbreaking $80 million investment backed by American financiers and supported with machinery from Chinese partners.
He emphasised its potential to boost local agricultural production, increase internally generated revenue, and serve as a national model for agribusiness expansion, with Osun and Delta States identified for future rollout.
“This hub will not only transform agriculture in Adamawa but also serve as a national training and innovation centre,” Olayinka said.
Ali Abdulkareem, Chief Operating Officer of BDMCs, and Mujaheed Abubakar, Protocol and Communication Officer, outlined plans for year-round farming through river dredging and the use of advanced techniques, including crop sensing and greenhouse cultivation.
The hub, according to them, will also host a Tropical Institute of Agriculture, which will train young people from all 36 states in crop specialisation and agribusiness management.
“Trainees will receive hands-on experience, financial support, and guaranteed production offtake for export. This will encourage self-sufficiency and boost Nigeria’s agricultural exports,” they noted.
Infrastructure development at the hub will include an Agro-City featuring an Administrative Complex, Hostels, a Farm Market Square, a 3-Star Hotel, an Aquatic Farm Restaurant, and even a Helipad to facilitate investor access.
Anchored by Sterling Bank and Keystone Bank Ltd, the Adamawa State Agricultural Hub, said it is positioned to become a flagship model for modern agriculture in Nigeria fusing tradition, innovation, and youth empowerment.