Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the construction of a modern poultry farm by TORQ Agro Nigeria Limited at Barawa Forest in Batagarawa Local Government Area, marking a major step in the state’s push to enhance food security and expand agro-industrial investment.
The project, situated on 10 hectares of land allocated by the state government, is expected to significantly increase the supply of affordable animal protein—particularly eggs—while creating new jobs and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Radda said the initiative represented “a seed of opportunity, shared prosperity, and sustainable growth,” noting that the poultry industry plays a key role in employment generation and food production nationwide. He assured that strict biosecurity and hygiene measures would be enforced to guarantee safe operations.
Radda said the investment aligns with his administration’s agenda of creating a safe, stable, and investor-friendly environment, adding that it reaffirms Katsina’s commitment to supporting agribusiness and empowering farmers and youths. He commended TORQ Agro for choosing the state, saying the decision reflects confidence in Katsina’s economic potential and fits into the government’s Building Your Future development plan.
“This farm is more than an economic venture; it is a legacy project,” the governor said. He urged stakeholders to collaborate to ensure long-term gains in nutrition, job creation, and economic growth.
Earlier, the Director of TORQ Agro Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Brian Ferreira, praised the Katsina State Government for fostering an environment conducive to investment. He described TORQ Agro as a subsidiary of TORQ Commodities, a multinational agribusiness with offices across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Ferreira said TORQ currently operates two warehouses in Malumfashi and Kafin-Soli, where sesame and soybeans are aggregated directly from farmers in partnership with the state Ministry of Agriculture. He confirmed the company’s ₦44 million investment in the Katsina Green Economic Zone.
He announced that the new poultry farm and hatchery—valued at $3.5 million (₦5 billion) and with a capacity of 300,000 layers—will sit on the allocated 10 hectares. He also revealed plans for a $30 million (₦42 billion) soybean processing and oil refinery plant to be located on five hectares at the Agricultural Mechanisation Zone, Tashar Bala.
According to Ferreira, both projects have undergone feasibility studies and business planning with KPMG and Kaduna Business School. He said the investments will support job creation, technology transfer, skills development, and increased state revenue. “TORQ is investing in people, in prosperity, and in the future of this state,” he added.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Muhammad Bakori, said the project will create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s livestock sector. The Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government, Hon. Yahaya Lawal Kawo, also welcomed the initiative, saying it would deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita, formally presented the land certificate to TORQ Agro. Ferreira described the gesture as a “green light” for TORQ to accelerate its investments in the state.
The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives of TORQ Agro, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
—Press Release By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Katsina State
27 November 2025
