By Dare Akogun
The Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and the Niger State Government are strengthening existing ties while exploring fresh investment opportunities in the State.
Speaking, over the weekend, at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 20th Niger State National Trade Fair in the state capital, Minna, the Dangote Group’s Executive Director, Government and Strategic Relations Engr. Mansur Ahmed said Niger State is central to the company’s overall investment plan in the agricultural sub-sector.
He said 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 Niger State Government in the educational sector.
“Given the land size, fertile topography, and friendly business atmosphere, President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote is passionate about adding value to activities of the Chamber and indeed deepening businesses in Niger State,” Engr. Ahmed said.
Governor of Niger State Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Department Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, expressed delight in scaling up the ties, especially in the agricultural and educational sectors, adding that the new government has created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
He urged the Dangote Group to leverage 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 the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (NCCIMA) for holding the event annually to promote trade, investment, and entrepreneurship despite the daunting challenges facing the state.
Speaking in the same vein, the President of NCCIMA, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, commended the company for sponsoring the ongoing 20th Niger Trade Fair themed “Public-Private Partnership, A Panacea for Nigerian Economic Growth.”
Dr. 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 Fertiliser,
Dr. 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, adding that the relationship he pioneered is bearing fruits for the people of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.
