Imported User:
Niger state government has urged British businessmen to explore the vast investment opportunities in the state.
The state made the call on Tuesday in Surrey County Council, near London, at an event tagged: ‘‘Showcasing Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympic Games'' organised by the Bank of Industry (BOI) in collaboration with the Councils Chamber of Commerce in Surrey, UK.
Mr Dan Yahaya, Niger State Commissioner for Investment, in his presentation on the business opportunities in the state said Niger has the comparative advantage of having the largest landmass in the country.
He said the state has 10 per cent of Nigeria’s arable land
``We have comparative advantage in rice production as the largest rice producer in the country with production capacity to feed the whole Nigeria and potentials for export.
``Our annual economic growth rate stands at 3.4 per cent as at 2011 higher than the Federal Government of Nigeria's benchmark of 3.2 per cent,’’ Yahaya said.
He explained further that the state ranked lowest in poverty prevalence index in Nigeria according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics.
Yahaya listed other areas of comparative advantage in the state to include abundance of solid minerals adding that the State is currently on exploration survey for hydro carbon in the Bida basin.
``Niger state is also rich in tourism potentials with a variety of tourist sites;The potentials in tourism in Niger state meet world class standards waiting to be exploited.
``Niger state is also home to three hydropower dams located in Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba, which contributes immensely to power generation and supply in Nigeria,’’ he added.
Also in his presentation, Dr Ken Okapara, Delta state Commissioner for Trade and Investment said there was peace and security in the area for business to strive.
``The state government is currently embarking on the development of physical infrastructure especially electricity and is also developing its human capital including the ICT skills,’’ Okpara said.
