Niger State Secures Over N1 Trillion Investment For Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

The Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Suleiman Takuma, stated this  during the groundbreaking ceremony and signing at the Government House in Minna.

He stated that the state is on track to reposition itself as a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, driven by the vision of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

Takuma said, “We have taken a significant step towards transforming the agricultural sector through a partnership with Chinese investors, securing an investment worth $684 million (N1.094 trillion) from China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) for the SAPZ.”

“This milestone agreement was signed during the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), marking a major breakthrough in the state’s efforts to boost the economy and create job opportunities for about five thousand women and youths,” Takuma added.

He further disclosed that the Niger State Government held a crucial meeting with the African Development Bank (AfDB), COVEC, and CREC to discuss the implementation plan for the SAPZ development, which aims to transform agriculture into an internationally competitive sector across Africa.

The commissioner explained that by focusing on high-potential commodities, the program will promote increased productivity, value addition, market access, and private sector investment.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the project is expected to revolutionize the agricultural landscape, stimulating socio-economic growth and development in the state.

“With the support of COVEC and CREC, Niger State is not only poised to become a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria but will also attract significant investments from local and international partners,” Usman noted.

He further added that the program will boost agricultural productivity, make the state a hub for agro-industrial processing, and generate thousands of employment opportunities for the local population.