Kwara State has opened competitive bidding for the construction of an agro-industrial hub in Malete, marking the next phase of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project.
The hub is designed to process and add value to agricultural produce, creating jobs and attracting investment to the state. Malete, a town in Kwara, was selected as the location for the facility after feasibility studies identified it as suitable for large-scale agricultural processing operations.
The project forms part of Kwara's broader strategy to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependency and develop its agricultural sector. State officials have positioned the agro-industrial hub as critical infrastructure that will support local farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase export earnings.
Bidders have been asked to submit proposals outlining their construction timelines, project costs, and technical specifications for the facility. The state government will evaluate submissions based on cost-effectiveness, contractor experience, and ability to meet project deadlines. A selection committee will review all bids and recommend the successful contractor to the state executive council for approval.
The agro-industrial hub will include processing plants, storage facilities, and logistics infrastructure. Once operational, it is expected to handle crops including cassava, maize, sorghum, and other products grown in Kwara and neighbouring states. The facility will create both direct jobs in plant operations and indirect employment in transportation, packaging, and quality control.
This development aligns with the federal government's push to develop agricultural value chains under its National Development Plan. Several states have already launched similar projects, with some already operational or nearing completion.
The state government has not announced a specific budget for the project or timeline for contractor selection. Sources familiar with the process say bidders have until a specified deadline to submit their proposals, with the winning contractor expected to be named within the next two months.
