The Niger State government has secured an investment worth over N1.094 trillion from Chinese firms as part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative, aiming to position the state as a hub for agro-industrial processing and significantly boost agriculture.
This milestone agreement, signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), is a major breakthrough in Governor Umar Bago’s efforts to drive economic growth and create around 5,000 jobs for Nigerlites.
The State Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, announced the development after the agreement signing at the Government House, Minna.
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Takuma highlighted the state’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector by leveraging its vast arable land and the new Niger agenda driven by Governor Bago.
The agreement involves Chinese investors, including China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), with a total investment of $684 million (N1.094 trillion).
This initiative is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, promote value addition, and improve market access while attracting private sector investments.
Takuma also revealed that the state administration held discussions with the African Development Bank (AfDB) team and Chinese partners to finalize the SAPZ implementation plan. The focus is on transforming agriculture into an internationally competitive sector, concentrating on high-potential commodities.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, emphasized that the project would stimulate socio-economic growth and development in the state. He expressed optimism that the support from COVEC and CREC would not only make Niger State a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria but also attract further local and international investments.
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