Taraba State government has received a major economic boost with the approval of a $268.63 million (over ₦400 billion) investment from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), aimed at transforming key sectors including agriculture, energy, and industrial development.

The funding, secured through the state’s Ministry of Energy and Economic Development, will be channelled into four major projects: a 10,000-hectare rice farm equipped with an integrated irrigation system, a state-of-the-art 16-tonne capacity rice mill, a new industrial park with agro-processing and logistics clusters, and a 50-megawatt solar power plant to enhance the state’s renewable energy capacity.

Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, Naomi Tanko Agbu, described the investment as the culmination of months of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

She noted that the projects are aligned with Governor Agbu Kefas’s development agenda, which prioritises security, infrastructure, industrial growth, and investment attraction.

“These projects represent a bold step forward for Taraba,” Agbu stated. “They reflect the vision of Governor Kefas to reverse years of underdevelopment through high-impact, practical initiatives.”

Agbu also praised the collaborative efforts that led to the investment deal, acknowledging the commitment of the governor, ministry officials, consultants, and partners who played key roles in the process.

She urged citizens to stay engaged and supportive as implementation begins, emphasising a shared responsibility in building the state’s future.

“Our guiding principle is togetherness. Let’s build Taraba together under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas,” she said.

The projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and position Taraba as a leading hub for agriculture and renewable energy in both Nigeria and the wider West African region.