A model cassava processing plant currently under construction in Karu, Nasarawa, will serve as a training facility for stakeholders in cassava processing, according to an official source.

The source at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, owners of the plant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the plant was 95 per cent completed.

"The intention is to use the facility for training stakeholders who will want to set up their own plants," he said, adding that it would process cassava chips, pellets and flour.

The source said the plant had originally been scheduled for inauguration before the end of the year, but that this might not be possible due to the delay in the installation of equipment.

He said the contract would soon be awarded for the installation of necessary machines like flash dryers, pressers and graters as well as standby generators.

The source explained that the project was being executed under the Presidential Initiative on Cassava introduced by the last administration.

He said the ministry had proposed the construction of 600 such plants in all cassava producing states at about N1.8 billion.

He, however, said this could not be realised due to the lack of funds. The plant, built at N1.8 million, is located on 87 hectares of land donated by the Etsu of Karu.