WACOT renews partnership with Edo govt to drive agric transformation, food security

WACOT Limited, a member of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has extended its agreement with the Edo State Government on fertilizer production through the Edo State Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited (ESFCCL) in Auchi.

This partnership which commenced in 2017, reaffirms both parties’ commitment to boosting local fertilizer production, supporting smallholder farmers, and advancing Nigeria’s food security.

The renewal reinforces the strategic importance of the Auchi facility to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly its capacity to support the specialised fertiliser needs of different regions. Through its blending capabilities, the plant serves as a critical link between local fertiliser production, regional agricultural requirements, and national food security priorities.

Speaking on the significance of the facility from an industry perspective, President of the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) and Director, Corporate Affairs, TGI Group Mr. Sadiq Kassim, said: “The Auchi facility is of strategic importance to Nigeria’s fertilizer industry and national food security. It is the only plant in the South-South with the capability to produce tailored, crop-specific fertiliser blends suited to the region’s soil requirements. “The facility also has the capability to produce specialised chemical blends to meet the specific needs of the North-East, where security challenges have made establishing fertiliser production facilities particularly difficult. “These capabilities further highlight the importance of sustaining and strengthening local fertilizer production to meet the diverse agricultural needs of our country.”

Also commenting on the renewed partnership, the Managing Director of WACOT Limited, Mr. Naveen Chaurasia, said: “The renewal of this agreement is a strong statement of our long-term commitment to Edo State and to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Since 2017, we have demonstrated that a well-managed public-private partnership can revive moribund assets and deliver real value. WACOT and TGI Group remain focused on food security, local production, and empowering farmers with affordable, high-quality fertiliser. We thank the Edo State Government for its continued partnership and look forward to expanding the plant’s impact.”

Speaking on behalf of the Edo State government, Hon. Omoh Anabor,  Commissioner, Ministry of Business, Trade and Investments, Edo State, added:

“This agreement involving the Edo State Government, Edo State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited (ESFCCL), and WACOT Limited represents far more than a formal transaction. It is a strategic step towards positioning Edo State as a leading destination for investment and industrial growth. This partnership demonstrates our readiness to work with credible private sector partners to unlock economic opportunities, support farmers through improved access to agricultural inputs, strengthen food security, create jobs and enterprise opportunities across Auchi and the wider Edo State.”

WACOT and TGI Group remain committed to working with government and industry stakeholders to strengthen local fertiliser production, support farmers, and advance sustainable agricultural development across Nigeria.