Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Abubakar Usman has declared the Niger State government’s commitment to pioneering agricultural transformation and serving as a model for other states in Nigeria.
He said with the $684 million (N1.094 trillion) investment from Chinese firms, China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited, COVEC, and China Railway Engineering Corporation, CREC, the state is on the verge of establishing itself as a beacon for agro-industrial processing, boosting productivity and food security.
Speaking after signing the contract in Minna, Usman said the move is also a testament to the Niger State government’s commitment to repositioning itself as a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“With the support of COVEC and CREC, Niger State is not only poised to become a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria but will attract significant investments from local and international partners,” he noted.
Commissioner for Commerce and Investment Aminu Suleiman Takuma also described the partnership as a breakthrough in the state’s efforts to boost the economy.
“We have taken a significant step towards transforming the agricultural sector through a partnership with Chinese investors and have secured an investment worth $684 million (N1.094 trillion) in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, SAPZ, from China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited, COVEC, and China Railway Engineering Corporation, CREC,” Takuma explained.
He further disclosed that the state earlier had a meeting with the African Development Bank team, alongside COVEC and CREC, to discuss the implementation plan for the SAPZ development, which will assist in transforming agriculture into an internationally competitive sector across Africa.
