The Director General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Alhaji Salihu Adamu, says insecurity, high transport costs, and bad roads are slowing down economic and industrial growth in Niger State.
Speaking at the ongoing International Trade Fair in Minna, the state capital, he called on the state government to complete the abandoned Minna–Sarkin Pawa–Kaduna road and the Bida–Nupeko road.
According to him, these roads would help reduce travel distance between Niger State and other parts of northern and southern Nigeria.
Alhaji Adamu said the long and difficult journeys often discourage investors from coming to the state to start businesses.
While reassuring investors that Niger State is safe, Adamu said the security situation is not as bad as many people think, that the government has reduced cases of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping to a very low level.
“I want to correct the impression that insecurity in the state is very bad,” he stated.
He also announced new development plans, including a N3 billion housing project by the Federal Mortgage Bank.
Adamu said that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority would soon begin training young people in aircraft repair and maintenance to help create jobs.
Land Request
According to him, the Dangote Group has also requested land from the state government for sugarcane and rice farming and processing projects.
He said the company will also hold a workshop during the trade fair to encourage small, medium, and large-scale industries.
He urged residents to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their businesses and livelihoods.
About 30 companies and organisations are taking part in the trade fair.
