ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago has announced plans to partner with China on agriculture and industrialisation following a recent visit to the country.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso made this known in a statement issued on Thursday.
The Niger State Governor, who is currently in Beijing as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), stated that he used his time in China to learn about the country’s agricultural and industrial practices to replicate them in Niger State.
During the official visit, Governor Bago visited several regions in China to explore potential partnerships and gain insights into the country’s economic strategies.
Speaking on the sidelines of the FOCAC event, Bago highlighted the importance of the visit for fostering economic development in Nigeria.
He noted that various Nigerian states, including Niger, would have the opportunity to engage with the Chinese government and explore partnerships beneficial to their regions.
A key focus of Governor Bago’s discussions in China was a partnership with the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) for major infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Among these is the Nigerian Railway Modernization Project, which includes critical sections like the Ibadan-Minna and Minna-Abuja railways.
These projects aim to enhance the transportation infrastructure in Niger State, improving the efficiency of goods and passenger movement and boosting the state’s economy.
Bago’s participation in the delegation underscores Niger State’s strategic focus on securing international partnerships to drive infrastructural development, agricultural growth, and economic advancement.
The governor expressed optimism that these discussions would yield tangible benefits for Niger State, enhancing connectivity and linking the state more effectively with key regions across Nigeria, thereby facilitating trade and the movement of goods, especially agricultural produce.
Additionally, Governor Bago held discussions with Huawei, a global technology leader, to position Niger State as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.
The discussions centred on launching several major projects directly contributing to Nigeria’s technological progress.
These include establishing the Africa Regional Network Operation Centre, the Innovation and Experience Dialogue Centre, the Cloud Computing Centre, and a Joint Solar Power Test Lab.
These initiatives are expected to attract further investments and create job opportunities for residents of Niger State.
The potential partnership with Huawei, alongside the infrastructure projects with CRCC, highlights Niger State’s commitment to becoming a critical hub in Nigeria’s transportation and technology networks.
Governor Bago emphasized that these developments are particularly significant for the state’s economic transformation, making it a more attractive destination for businesses and investors.
