By Fadhlillah Abdallah
ASHENEWS reports that the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and the Niger state government are strengthening existing ties to explore fresh investment opportunities in the state.
This online platform further reports that Niger state, apart from being endowed with agricultural potentials, is also rich in mineral resources, sectors that Dangote has serious interests.
Speaking at the ongoing 20th Niger State National Trade Fair on Dangote Special Day in Minna over the weekend, the Dangote Group’s Executive Director, Government and Strategic Relations, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, said Niger state is central to the company’s overall investment plan in the agricultural sub-sector.
According to him, the Dangote rice mill earlier planned for Wushishi is being scaled up and moved to Badeggi where there is enough water supply conducive for rice farming and business.
He also announced the company’s preparedness to partner with the state government in the educational sector.
Mr. Ahmed said given the land size, fertile topography and friendly business atmosphere, Mr. Dangote is passionate about adding value to activities of the Chamber and indeed deepening businesses in Niger State.
The state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service at the Department of the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, expressed delight for scaling up the ties, especially in the agricultural and educational sectors.
He added that the new government has created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
He urged the Dangote Group to leverage on the renewed business opportunities in Niger state.
He said the new administration is striving to build a viable economy driven by the private sector.
“The state will leverage on Agro industrial value chains to provide critical infrastructure for the development of high-quality products for local consumption and export.”
He commended Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA) for holding the event annually to promote trade, investment, and entrepreneurship despite daunting challenges facing the state.
Speaking in the same vein, the President NCCIMA, Mrs. Bisi Adeniyi, commended the company for sponsoring the on-going 20th Niger Trade Fair themed “Public-Private Partnership, A Panacea for Nigerian Economic Growth.”
Mrs. Bisi enjoined Dangote Industries Limited and other investors to key into the International Trade Fair being planned by NCCIMA to move research in tertiary institutions in the state forward.
The participating companies under DIL include Dangote cement, Dangote sugar, Dangote salt and seasonings and Dangote Fertilizer.
Mrs. Bisi noted that the State recognizes the private sector as a partner and engine for economic growth.
Eulogizing the Dangote Group for its business acumen, former President of the Chamber, Mr. Umar Ahmed Bakai, described the Dangote Group as a worthy partner.
He added that the relationship he pioneered is bearing fruits for the people of Niger state and Nigeria as a whole.
