By Faridat Salifu
GB Foods, a leading culinary company with footprints in over 50 African and European countries, has engaged 3,335 local out-growers for tomato production in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria.
Last weekend, the company opened a state-of-the- art integrated tomato processing facilities in Gafara, Kebbi State, with a promise to double the facility capacity in the next expansion phase.
The farm and factory, spanning 1,500 hectres of land, boasts a 620 metric tonnes per day processing plant which the company said it would double in the next expansion phase to becoming Africa’s biggest integrated tomato project.
President Bola Tinubu lauded GB Foods investment in Nigeria’s economy noting that the investment affirms the confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria’s policy environment.
Represented at the commissioning of the integrated tomato processing facility by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, President Tinubu acknowledged Kebbi State as one among States that are showing commitment to food sustainability in the country, noting that a little over a month ago, the state showcase a Rice Miller, the largest in West Africa.
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In his speech during the commissioning ceremony, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, commended GB Foods for its boldness in tackling the challenges head-on, noting that the project began during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu, his predecessor in office.
The governor expressed gratitude to the company for engaging 3, 335 local out-growers for tomato production in the state and pledged full government support to ensure the palnt operates at maximum capacity.
Governor Idris emphasized the significance of the factory as the largest tomato processing facility in this part of African Continent and promised to provide the necessary assistance and protection for its success.
In his response to government’s promises made to support the company, GB Foods Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Egbe, expressed gratitude to the special guests and attendees saying: ” During the 2022 -2023 season, GB Foods’ farm and factory in Kebbi played a significant role in generating 75% of the total tomato concentrate produced in Nigeria.
He noted that despite this significant contribution, the demand still exceeds the supply, highlighting the need for further expansion and advancement in the sector.
Mr. Egbe reiterated that GB Foods is expanding its investment in Nigeria despite the marcoeconomic challenges in the country so that the country will be self-sufficient in tomato production and export hub.
