Niger Secures $684m From Chinese Firms For Agro-industrial Processing

Niger State Commissioner for Investment and Private Sector Development, Alh. Aminu Suleiman Takuma, has disclosed that the state government has secured additional $684 million from a consortium of Chinese firms for basic infrastructure across five locations of special agro-industrial processing zones in the state.

The commissioner spoke to journalists in Minna yesterday as part of activities to mark Governor Mohammed Bago’s third year in office.

He said the fund was beside the $29 million approved by the African Development Bank (ADB) for projects in 10 states, including Niger.

The commissioner also said the state had initiated a no-tax policy for any firm willing to set up a solar cell manufacturing company.

He further stated that the ministry had signed a $163 million agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for the development of the first solar project that would provide 24 hours electricity in 189 communities over the next decade.

The commissioner maintained that the state had moved on from a resource-rich to a premium destination for investments and a model for economic diversification.

The  commissioner for information and orientation, Mr. Obed Nuhu Nana, had earlier said the administration continued to reposition the state for sustainable growth, economic prosperity and inclusive development.

Nana commended media practitioners for being part of the development in the state and urged them to uphold objectivity in their reportage for collective interest of peace, unity and development.