The Nigerian government’s initiative to reform River Basin Development Authority (RBDAs) through partial commercialization offers promising opportunities for investors in the agricultural sector. The extension of the deadline for Expression of Interest (EOIs) in the spin-off projects of four designated RBDAs presents a significant chance for private sector participation in enhancing food security, job creation, and wealth generation. Let’s delve into the details of these projects and the potential they hold for investors.
Overview of the Reform Strategy: The reform strategy aims to make RBDAs more productive, commercially viable, and self-reliant entities capable of accessing private sector funds and expertise. By leveraging private sector participation, the government seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies in driving the national food security agenda.
Key Objectives: The objectives of the reform initiative include:
- Enhancing productivity and commercial viability of RBDAs.
- Facilitating private sector investment and technical support.
- Promoting job creation and wealth generation.
Spin-Off Projects: The spin-off projects identified across the four designated RBDAs encompass various dam constructions, irrigation schemes, and integrated farm projects. These projects are strategically located across different states, offering a diverse range of investment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Here’s a summarized table highlighting the spin-off projects under each RBDA:
| RBDA | Project Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Niger | Agai Lapai Dam and Irrigation | Lapai LGA, Niger State |
| River Basin | Galma Multipurpose Dam | Kubau LGA, Kaduna State |
| Development | Tungan Kawo Dam & Irrigation | Wushishi LGA, Niger State |
| Authority | Kudan Dam & Irrigation | Kudan LGA, Kaduna State |
| (RBDAs) | Songhai Model Farm | Bosso LGA, Niger State |
| Sokoto-Rima | Songhai Model Farm | Sokoto, Sokoto State |
| River Basin | Bakolori Dam | Maradun, Zamfara State |
| Development | Bakolori Irrigation Scheme | Maradun, Marafa & Bakura LGAs, |
| Authority | Shagari Dam | Shagari Village, Sokoto State |
| (RBDAs) | Shagari Irrigation Scheme | Kangi Shagari, Sokoto State |
| Ogun-Oshun | Lower-Ogun (Mokoloki Farm Project) | Mokoloki, Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun |
| River Basin | Iwo Songhai Integrated Farm | Iwo Town, Osun State |
| Development | Abeokuta Songhai Integrated Farm | Abeokuta, Ogun State |
| Authority | Oogi Farm Project | Oogi Town, Osun State |
| (RBDAs) | Itoikin Irrigation Farming Scheme | Epe LGA, Lagos State |
| Niger-Delta | Peremabiri Rice Irrigation Scheme | Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State |
| River Basin | Isampou Rice Irrigation Farm | Ekeremor, Bayelsa State |
| Development | Egberu Irrigation Scheme | Oyigbo, Rivers State |
| Authority | Yea Irrigation Scheme | Khana, Rivers State |
| (RBDAs) | Sama Irrigation Songhai Farm | Sama Community, Rivers State |
Investment Requirements: Prospective investors are required to demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capabilities, including a record of successful investment in agro-based businesses, ample financial resources, and a competent management team.
Submission Process: Interested investors must submit their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in sealed envelopes to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) by the specified deadline. Pre-qualified applicants will receive further details on the bidding procedure.
Conclusion: The extension of the deadline for EOIs presents a golden opportunity for investors to participate in the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through the development of River Basin Development Authority spin-off projects. By leveraging private sector expertise and resources, these projects have the potential to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and create sustainable livelihoods across the country.
Reference
EXTENSION OF (EOIs) IN THE SPIN-OFF PROJECTS OF THE FOUR (4) DESIGNATED RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (RBDAs) Published in Bureau of Public Enterprises (Nigeria)