It was an exploratory meeting. Commodity Development Initiative (CDI) represented by Mr. Roland Oroh, the Katsina Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), represented by its Chairman, Malam Tanimu Yakubu (who was former Chief Economic Adviser to former President Musa Yar’ Adua) and Tukur Jikamshi, Director General. Crops being considered for expedited development includes Gum Arabic, Hides & Skin, Groundnut, Cotton, Hibiscus, Wheat and others. Market destination being considered are the Gulf Cooperation Council countries of Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. CDI as a project develop and manager will develop a multi-year export development project, attract investors and development partners, and integrate small holder farmers and exporters into the project with government facilitation to expand production and exportation of these crops.
