Abia State Government will soon initiate a fresh open bidding process for managing its four farm estates. The government has revoked contracts with the current managers due to their failure to meet contractual obligations.
The affected companies are:
Providence Resources Ltd (Abia Cocoa Farm Estate, Agbozu)
Manglore Farms Ltd (Abia Cashew Estate, Umunneochi)
South Estate Farm and Agro Investment Processing Company (Ukwa Nkporo Oil Palm Estate)
Great Nobles Integrated Ltd (Amaeke and Ndi Oji Abam Rubber Plantations)
The decision, effective from January 1, was announced by Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, Commissioner for Agriculture. Agbaeze stated that the new contracts will be transparent, protect the state’s interests, and follow international best practices.
He emphasized that the decision followed a careful review of existing contracts, which were found to be in the state’s disfavor. Agbaeze noted the breaches of contract and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving state resources for the benefit of all Abians.