The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, says he will establish four sugar factories in Sokoto and Kebbi States at the cost of between N180 billion and N200 billion.

Dangote made the statement in Sokoto on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Aliyu Wamakko.

According to him, each of the two states will have two of the factories which will also provide 150,000 new jobs to the people of the two states.

“Dangote Group will collectively produce one million tonnes of sugar per year and the plantations will be spread in the two states.

“The factories will also produce 150 megawatts of electricity which will boost electricity supply to the two states, Sugar is as good as oil and no government, except the Federal Government can provide such a huge number of jobs.”

Aliko also added said that the factories were expected to come on stream in the next four years and that the gesture is aimed at further boosting the socio-economic development of the North West, North and Nigeria generally,”

Wamakko expressed his happiness over the plan to establish the plants, saying, “this is one of my happiest days.

“Sokoto State is richly endowed with abundant land and a myriad of natural and mineral resources, ranging from limestone, gold and copper among others.”

Gov. Wamakko appealed to Dangote to establish a cement factory in the state, saying: “we have provided the enabling environment for all industries to thrive.

“I must also appeal to other wealthy northerners and Nigerians to use their wealth positively to touch the lives of their fellow citizens who are less endowed,” the governor added.( NAN)