Insecurity: Niger Reclaims Forest Resources, Establishes Eco Green Industrial City

Niger State government is set to use the vast forest reserves in the state to establish Eco Green Industrial City aimed at unlocking multi-million dollar investment opportunities.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the initiative was to preserve the state’s forest resources in view of the usage of such forest reserves by bandits and terrorists groups to perpetrate crimes in the state.

It was learnt that the multi-million dollar investment opportunities will be opened with the establishment of the city in conjunction with private investors with capacity to advance the transformation of the resources.

Consequently the Commissioner for Investment, Alhaji Aminu Suleman Takuma unveiled the project in an engagement with Eco Green Investment Limited, held in Minna yesterday.

According to him the project has the potential to generate employment, ensure environmental sustainability, and strengthen the state’s legal and risk management frameworks.

Also speaking on the initiative while receiving  the team leader of Eco Green Investment Limited, Mr. Alan Martin, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Abubakar Usman, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to attracting sustainable, large-scale investments in the area.

The SSG emphasised that the proposed Eco Green Industrial City aligns with the development blueprint of the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, particularly its focus on economic diversification, environmental sustainability and private sector-driven growth.

“This administration is deliberate in its pursuit of strategic investments that will not only stimulate economic growth but also preserve our natural resources for future generations. The Eco Green Industrial City represents a forward-thinking initiative capable of transforming our agricultural and industrial landscape,” Alhaji Usman stated.

The leader of the team of Eco Green Investment Limited, Mr. Alan Martin, described the company as an integrated investment firm partnering with a United Kingdom-based technical carbon credit company, Granite Climate Capital Limited.

He explained that their interest in Niger State is driven by its vast forest reserves and expansive arable land and would focus on developing, implementing, and managing a climate-friendly, self-sustaining smart agricultural processing city within the state.