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By Umaru Jatau
In a bold stride toward transforming Kaduna State’s agricultural landscape, Governor Uba Sani recently embarked on a pivotal visit to Beijing, China. This high-stakes diplomatic and economic mission was aimed at finalising agreements for a groundbreaking $200 million Model Integrated Poultry Development Project. Accompanied by a federal delegation, the Governor’s engagements underscored Nigeria’s deepening ties with China, promising to catapult Kaduna into a hub of modern agribusiness while generating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
From official statements and the Governor’s firsthand accounts, the visit represents not just an investment in poultry but a comprehensive blueprint for food security, industrialization, and inclusive economic growth in one of Nigeria’s most dynamic states.
The journey to Beijing was built on prior discussions in Nigeria with the Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai, according to a statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki. Governor Sani’s delegation included key federal representatives led by Joseph Tegba, Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). This simply emphasizes the project’s national importance.
Valued at USD $200 million, the initiative is poised to create 350,000 direct and indirect jobs and yield over $450 million annually. Officials say the project is aimed at strengthening food security, accelerate agro-industrialisation, boost exports, and position Kaduna as a leader in modern agribusiness. This is a reflection of the administration’s vision for sustainable development.
While in China, Sani was treated to a very warm reception by the top leadership of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), a global powerhouse in infrastructure and engineering. The governor in a detailed account of the meeting on December 8, 2025, described a comprehensive tour of CCCC’s landmark projects. He opined that they showcased the company’s “scale, precision, and technical finesse.”
This visit marks a historic milestone, as Mr. He Yu, CCCC’s Vice President (International), noted that it was “the first official Nigerian delegation to be hosted at the company’s headquarters.”
He Yu expressed profound appreciation for Kaduna’s confidence in CCCC, particularly regarding the $200 million mega poultry project. He commended the administration’s “bold and coherent development vision” and reiterated the company’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Assuring unwavering commitment, He Yu promised not only timely delivery but also expanded investments in other sectors of Kaduna’s economy.
As Joseph Tegba noted, these moves by Uba Sani are “decisive approach and steadfast commitment” to realizing his dream or restoring Kaduna State as the leading sub-national government in northern Nigeria.
Tegba acknowledged Kaduna’s “consistent developmental strides” and pledged NCSP’s ongoing collaboration to foster inclusive growth.
During the meeting in China, Sani expressed what he called “profound admiration for CCCC’s engineering depth and global footprint.” And that the company has “clearly established itself among the world’s foremost construction giants,” and “capable of delivering a world-class facility for the Kaduna poultry project.” Emphasizing urgency, the governor stressed “the need for strict adherence to timelines so that the economic and social benefits can begin to flow to our people without delay.”
In all this, one cannot but mention President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the courageous, forward-thinking strategies he continues to deploy in confronting national challenges. His choice of Kaduna as the pilot location for this transformative project, which is set to commence in January 2026, put a lie to claims in some quarters that he has not treated the North the same way he has treated the South West. Governor Sani, of course, reiterated Kaduna’s commitment to nurturing what he called a “mutually beneficial relationship.” This exchange not only solidified investment commitments but also highlighted the interpersonal diplomacy at play, blending admiration for Chinese expertise with Nigeria’s aspirations for rapid progress.
Beyond the boardrooms, Sani’s itinerary included immersive tours of cutting-edge facilities, providing tangible insights into the poultry project’s potential. At the invitation of the Chinese government, he visited CP Foods Layers and Eggs (Beijing) Ltd., a flagship enterprise in modern poultry science. Producing nearly three million eggs daily, the facility exemplified “what disciplined innovation, rigorous standards, and long-range vision can achieve.”
And, guided through its value chain — from production and processing to packaging and distribution — the governor observed how each stage reflected a precision that elevates agriculture into an exacting craft.
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This tour was a defining stride toward concluding the $200 million project. In partnership with Chinese counterparts, the initiative promises to deepen food security, broaden our agro-industrial base, catalyse durable employment, and position Kaduna as a continental exemplar of technologically empowered agribusiness.
The governor also toured Beijing Doudian Yisheng Halal Meat Industry Co., Ltd., one of the world’s most sophisticated abattoir complexes. According to him, the insights gained there are set to “inform our mission to revitalise Kaduna’s livestock architecture and embed global best practices across every link of our value chains.” These site visits were more than ceremonial; they served as practical blueprints for replicating Chinese efficiencies in Kaduna, ensuring that the poultry project integrates seamlessly with broader livestock reforms.
Throughout this ‘economic odyssey’ Sani consistently acknowledged the pivotal roles of key figures. He conveyed “profound appreciation” to President Tinubu for entrusting Kaduna with this pilot project and to the Chinese government for its “unwavering confidence and partnership.”
Maiyaki’s statement echoed this same sentiments, noting that governor’s Beijing engagement “demonstrates Kaduna State’s commitment to strategic partnerships that deliver transformative economic growth.”
This visit by the governor will certainly unlock thousands of jobs, strengthen food security, and position Kaduna as a continental leader in modern agribusiness.
Without a doubt, under Sani’s leadership, the state remains committed to attracting world-class investments to drive inclusive growth and expand opportunities, particularly for young people.
The project’s scope extends far beyond poultry production. By fostering agro-industrialization, it aims to boost exports and integrate Kaduna into global value chains. The anticipated $450 million annual revenue underscores its economic multiplier effect, potentially alleviating poverty and stimulating related industries like feed production, logistics, and veterinary services. With 350,000 jobs on the horizon, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda, addressing unemployment amid a youthful population.
The governor’s visit also symbolizes the evolving Nigeria-China relationship, built on mutual respect and shared ambitions. China’s role as a development partner has grown, with investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. For Kaduna, this partnership arrives at a critical juncture, as Sani’s administration has prioritized agribusiness as a pillar of revival, leveraging the state’s fertile lands and strategic location.
On a deeper reflection of the tours, Sani’s words paint a vivid picture of inspiration drawn from Chinese models. The CP Foods facility’s daily output of millions of eggs illustrates scalable innovation that Kaduna can adapt. Similarly, the halal meat complex offers lessons in hygiene, efficiency, and market orientation—essential for Kaduna’s halal-certified ambitions, catering to domestic and export demands.
As the project gears up for a January 2026 launch, stakeholders anticipate ripple effects. Local farmers could benefit from technology transfers, while youth training programs might emerge, equipping the workforce with modern skills. Environmentally, the integrated model promotes sustainable practices, minimizing waste through closed-loop systems observed in Beijing.
The governor’s Beijing economic odyssey culminates a year of strategic maneuvering, from initial ambassadorial talks to these sealing engagements.
Sani’s visit to China marks a watershed for Kaduna’s development trajectory. By securing the $200 million poultry project, it promises to reshape the state’s economy, creating jobs, enhancing food security, and fostering innovation. As Governor Sani himself affirmed, Kaduna remains “firmly committed to nurturing this mutually beneficial relationship” with China. With federal backing and international expertise, this initiative could serve as a model for other Nigerian states, proving that strategic partnerships can turn ambitious visions into tangible prosperity. As the world watches, Kaduna stands on the cusp of an agribusiness renaissance, driven by a Governor who is unafraid to bridge continents for his people’s future.
• Jatau, an agronomist and development economist, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna State
