By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state government has signed an agreement with Duduwa Consult Limited for the construction of a shopping complex in Suleja.
The project, billed for completion by the end of 2024 will see to the construction of 240 shops at the former Old Minna Garage located in Suleja, Suleja local government area of the state.
According to the project brief, the project is worth N1.3 billion and would be implemented under a PPP agreement.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement on Tuesday, the Niger State Commissioner of Investment, Commerce, and Industry, Ramatu Yaradua said that the government approved the project after due diligence with a major consideration on the viability of the project.
The Commissioner, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Yahaya Babawachiko said that the project will address multiple targets of the present administration in improving the state’s economy.
“This project is in tandem with the development agenda of the present administration to create jobs for our teeming youth and women while also improving the internally generated revenue of the state government,” she said.
On the agreement between the three parties, the commissioner said “Through the PPP agreement, the investor will build, operate and later on, transfer the project to the local government.
“While we facilitated the development of the blueprint for the project, the local government council provided the land and will after some years, take ownership of the project.”
Earlier in his remark, the Emir of Suleja, Auwal Ibrahim expressed confidence that the projects would be constructed to specification with the state government’s choice of investor.
The Emir represented by Abubakar Sarkin Daji tasked the investors to be diligent in the discharge of their duties.
On his part, the Chairman of Duduwa Consult Ltd, Abubakar Makama said that the project would boost the opportunities for businesses to thrive in the area.
He said that the proximity of Suleja to Abuja, the federal capital territory holds numerous potentials for economic growth, hence the need for the right structures and facilities.
“To be able to attract these benefits, the facilities and infrastructures in and around Suleja have to be redeveloped and upgraded in tune with the anticipated benefits.
“I hereby assure you that we shall bring our knowledge, experience, and financial prowess to bear in the execution of this project and timely too,” he said.
Based on the project outline, the contractor will be given 25 years to recoup his investments.
