Taraba Govt reviews sugar project contract agreement with Dangote

The Taraba state government has reviewed a contract agreement it reached 13 years ago with the Aliko Dangote Group to commence the establishment of a sugar factory in Lau, headquarters of Lau local government area of the state.

In a ceremony held at the Government House, Jalingo, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku expressed joy that the agreement later became a reality after 13 years of disagreement which he pointed out was caused by hiccups in the government scheme of things.

“When I took over here, we had some hiccups and I don’t want to start what I don’t know and what I will not complete,” he said.

Governor Ishaku added that he had to clear some hurdles for the day’s event to be a reality.

While thanking the president of the Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote, for his patience for the past 13 years, Ishaku described him as a serious business man, saying, once he commences a project, he sees to its logical conclusion.

He assured the Group that he will put a Desk Officer who will be constantly reporting to him outcomes of their work to avoid any hindrances.

The governor, who promised to look into the problems of land owners who have not been compensated, also assured that those who diverted their monies will be asked to return them.

He called on the people of the area not to confront the Group for their problems but to table their grievances to him, adding that he will not allow anything distract the attention of the Group till the completion of the project.

Speaking earlier, Alh. Dangote, who was represented by Engr. Joseph Makonjo assured the Governor that the Lau Sugar Factory, to be established by the Group will impact positively on the lives of the people of the area and the state.

He stated that Dangote Group has made successes in several areas like cement, making Nigeria self sufficient in cement, and now wants to focus on Sugar and Rice.

He promised the people of the state, according to the Governor’s request to carry the local people along; adding that the investment will be seen to impact on the lives of the people who own the land in a lasting way.

The Review of the Agreement was administered by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Yusufu Nya Akirikwen.

Daily Times gathered that the initial agreement was signed under the administration of former Governor, Jolly Nyame while the immediate past Governor, Danbaba Suntai signed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) then.

In an interview with newsmen shortly, the representative of Dangote Group, Engr. Joseph Makonjo said initially, what was in place between government and Dangote was an MoU, “The long break occasioned as a result of change of administration from one government to the other, with some local issues”.

“But we are happy today, with this present Governor, who gave attention to the Project and on our side, Alh. Dangote who wanted this Project to continue, we are able to be where we are today”, he said.

He described the project as a Multi Million Dollar Project with three phases adding that it should be seen as one of the top ten largest Agricultural projects in the country.