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In a move to unlock Taraba State’s economic potential, Governor Agbu Kefas and top officials of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at TY Danjuma House, Abuja, on Friday, November 1, for various development projects.
The gathering included high-profile stakeholders, such as the Deputy Governor, members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Regional Development, traditional rulers, and members of the state executive council, underscoring their commitment to realizing the ambitious Taraba Development Master Plan 2024.
Addressing the meeting, Governor Kefas expressed optimism about the partnership with CCECC, highlighting the collaboration as key to unlocking Taraba’s economic potential.
“I’m particularly excited about the collaboration to unlock the immense potential of the state. That is why I believe this meeting is very crucial and important to us.”
“With our diverse ethnic groups, fertile land, and vast resources, including minerals, water, and energy, Taraba is a jewel waiting to be polished.
“Our forefathers could not polish it well, so we have to polish it.
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“Our ongoing development efforts, including the rehabilitation of the Danbaba Airport, which is the gateway to Taraba, demonstrate that we are committed to transforming Taraba into a state of opportunity.”
“We will focus on three critical areas essential to achieving this vision.
“First, energy development. As you all know, our state is blessed with great resources for solar, small hydro, and light hydro potentials that can comfortably serve all the residents of the state and even our country, Nigeria.”
“This potential includes the Mambilla Hydropower Project, a noble initiative that, unfortunately, has faced challenges for many years.
“Despite this, our people suffer from energy poverty, which falls back on the shoulders of the government.
“One positive development is that the Federal Government of Nigeria passed the Electricity Act 2023, empowering states to pass their own laws and create their electricity markets.
“My government leveraged this by enacting the Taraba State Electricity Law 2024 on October 4, 2024.”
“With this new electricity law empowering states, we are poised to take the lead in energy development.
“Our ambition is to launch a new hydropower project with CCECC that will serve Taraba and our neighboring states in the North East, making Taraba a net exporter of energy.”
“Second, infrastructure and natural economic development.
“We have made strides in infrastructure development, but there is still much more to be done.
“By working with CCECC, we can expand our road networks, improve our transportation system, and harness our natural resources, including minerals and agriculture, to create a thriving economy.
“This sector is particularly important to me because of my experience with environmental pollution in the Niger Delta during my time in active military service.
“I’m focused on companies with strong reputations that will not pollute our land and will ensure sustainability for our generation to actualize our vision.”
“And third, economic development and food security. Blessed with vast agricultural potential, Taraba can and will become the food basket of Nigeria.
“But we need sustainable development plans, mechanized farming, and improved storage and processing facilities to make this a reality.
“A key pathway to achieving this is industrialization and the expansion of processing facilities, which we intend to develop through a consortium of companies from China, championed by CCECC, to elevate us to where we should be,” the Governor said.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of advancing agriculture through mechanized farming and improved storage facilities to achieve food security.
In his remarks, CCECC’s President Chan Sichang, represented by Chief Executive Director Zhou Dongping, expressed the corporation’s enthusiasm for the partnership, affirming CCECC’s dedication to supporting Taraba’s development.
Sichang highlighted the critical role infrastructure plays in the state’s growth and conveyed CCECC’s longstanding commitment to excellence in Nigeria.
Providing further insights, Engr. Alex Oniegbu, a key project leader, outlined that the Taraba Development Master Plan encompasses all local government areas and senatorial zones within the state.
Oniegbu added that CCECC’s experience in completing projects like Abuja’s Phase Two Master Plan instills confidence in Taraba’s potential to emerge as a strong regional player.
The meeting concluded with a significant milestone: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Taraba State Government and CCECC.
This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of development, poised to propel Taraba into a hub of growth and opportunity.
