In a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector and expanding large-scale cassava processing, a 10,000-hectare Cassava Industrial City developed by Sequoia Holdings Ltd has been commissioned in Kokona, Nasarawa State, Leadership reported.
A staple food for millions, cassava is most commonly consumed in Nigeria as garri, a popular flour, and is also used for ethanol production.
The project was commissioned by the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, who said the initiative places Nasarawa on the map as a growing centre for cassava processing and agro-industrial investment. The event was attended by representatives of financial institutions, agribusiness firms, policymakers, and members of the National Cassava Growers Association.
With an investment of more than ₦30 billion, the Sequoia Cassava Industrial City brings together cassava farming and processing within a single development. Spread across 10,000 hectares, the project covers organised cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and value addition. It includes modern facilities for producing ethanol, industrial starch, and other cassava-based products.
Speaking at the commissioning, Sequoia Holdings chairman Cheta Udezue said the project reflects a shift in Nigeria’s agricultural approach, moving away from small-scale commodity farming towards large, organised production linked directly to processing. He said the aim is to create a system that connects farming with processing to improve output, efficiency, and long-term value.
The development also includes an outgrower programme to integrate farmers, export-focused production units, and supporting infrastructure designed to sustain operations over the long term.
Nigeria is among the world’s largest cassava producers. However, the country still relies heavily on imports for processed cassava products such as ethanol and industrial starch. The new facility is expected to help reduce this dependence by boosting local processing capacity.
