The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Gombe State, one of the most significant industrial investments in Northern Nigeria, has so far attracted investments worth over N60 billion, with expectations for more as the park prepares to commence full operations by the end of 2025.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Park’s Interim Management Committee, Alhaji Bashir Nuhu Aliko, during a guided facility tour for journalists to assess the level of completion of the park.
According to Alh. Bashir, the park represents a strategic investment by the Gombe State Government, aimed at establishing a free trade zone and industrial cluster to promote industrial development.
The park is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers in setting up industries and providing all the essential infrastructure needed for optimal operations and economic growth similar to models adopted in industrialized nations.
“The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park covers over 1,000 hectares, fully equipped with power, water, land, and other vital infrastructure. Out of this, 333 hectares have been fully developed,” he stated.
He further explained that the government has constructed an internal road network throughout the park, providing easy access to all sections and facilitating the smooth movement of goods and services.
“Road construction is nearly 100% complete. So far, we have built 42 kilometers of well-tarred roads within the park,” he noted.
A dedicated residential area has also been planned within the park. About 20 housing units have already been built as a prototype of the 250 units intended for workers. The housing scheme includes categories for low-, middle-, and high-income earners.
Plans are also in place for the development of schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational centres.
“Provisions have also been made for investors to venture into real estate development.
Power supply, ge said, has been given high priority.
“The park is powered through a dedicated 132kV transmission line supplying 16MW from the national grid. We also have generator backups for emergencies. Additionally, an investor has shown interest in generating 150MW of solar power. With this, the park will have three complementary power sources which will be sufficient not only for industrial operations but with surplus capacity,” Malam Bashir explained.
On water infrastructure, the chairman said the park has a supply system capable of delivering 1.5 million liters of water daily through an extensive pipe network.
“The system is fully reticulated. Industries only need to connect to the pipes to access water for their operations,” he added.
Regarding security, the park’s management and the government are fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property within and around the facility. While companies are permitted to deploy their own independent security systems, the park has already implemented robust mechanisms to maintain vigilance and ensure a secure environment.
“The government plans to establish a dedicated joint task force base within the park to monitor and manage security operations effectively,” the chairman highlighted.
He also noted that the park is already yielding positive results.
“So far, 12 companies have secured approvals and have either completed or are building their facilities. An additional 14 companies are awaiting approval, and over 400 applications have been received,” he said.
He estimated that the total investment on the ground currently exceeds N60 billion, with expectations that the figure could double to over N120 billion once the pending companies begin operations.
Companies already operating or under construction in the park include Sonia Foods, Domagric, Justicia Consult (a transport and logistics company), and NAPU Food & Beverages, which is set to begin construction. Premier Seeds Company has already completed most of its components and conducted successful test runs.
Expanding on administrative reforms, Malam Adamu Lubo, another member of the Interim Management Committee, emphasized the park’s free trade zone status, which offers significant tax exemptions.
“All certified industries in the park are exempted from paying taxes like regular businesses. From shipping in equipment to transporting them here, all that’s needed is our operational certificate for smooth clearance. Offices of relevant government agencies will also be stationed within the park to facilitate operations,” he said.
Lubo also highlighted the park’s potential impact. “Once fully operational, the park is expected to employ over 250,000 people, almost four times the number of civil servants in the state. In addition, companies will carry out corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, pay administrative charges, and contribute to state revenue, all of which will improve the living standards of our people,” he added.
Recently, the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, approved N5.5 billion for the completion of the park. With this approval, all remaining components, especially those related to power and infrastructure, will be completed, and the park is expected to become fully operational by the end of this year.