Ministry of Investment Commerce and Industry

NIGER STATE COMMISSIONER FOR INVESTMENT,COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY APPRECIATES STAKEHOLDERS THAT PLAYED VITAL ROLE IN COMPILING THE NIGER STATE SECTOR-SPECIFIC INVESTMENT INCENTIVES POLICY DOCUMENT RECEIVED FROM THE FEED THE FUTURE OF UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, (USAID):

Receiving the document policy from Dominic Graham, Chief Party and Managing Director of Feed the Future, Governor Sani Bello said the policy when implemented will go a long way in attracting and propelling agro-investors into the state.

While appreciating all stakeholders that played a vital role in compiling the policy document, Niger State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce, and Industry, Dr. Mustapha Jibril assures that the state ministry of commerce, investment and industry under his watch will oversee orderly implementation of the policy in vital areas of the economy.

According to him the agribusiness investment incentive document policy received from USAID is been driven by government policies which are aimed at encouraging more commercial and mechanized farming. These policies leverage Niger states agricultural ecosystem to transform the state into a leading agribusiness and agro-allied industrial destination.

He further called on well-meaning Nigerlites, local and foreign investors to embrace the great business incentives opportunities Governor Sani Bello led administration is offering through the state ministry of commerce, investment and industry to make Niger State attractive as an economic environment for investment and also efforts to turn Niger State into a number one investment destination in Nigeria, where investors are guaranteed good returns on their investments,”

STAKEHOLDERS' VALIDATION WORKSHOP: NIGER STATE MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS USAID FEED THE FUTURE NIGERIA AGRICBUSINESS INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

The Niger State government in collaboration with ministry of Investment, Commerce and Industry on Thursday 4th of November, 2021 signed a declaration of partnership with United States' USAID to launch a five-year Feed the Future Niger State Plan to increase investments in food security, build greater resilience, and improve household nutrition in the state.

Feed the Future is a U.S. government initiative coordinated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to sustainably reduce global poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Building on the Government of Nigeria’s priorities for food security and nutrition, at both the national and state levels, the new Feed the Future Country Plan provides a blueprint to accelerate agriculture-led economic growth, strengthen resilience among people and systems, and support a well-nourished population – especially among women and children.

The Feed the Future Country Plan focuses on Niger, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Benue states, as well as the four northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe. It will develop five of the government’s prioritized agricultural value chains with the strongest potential for increased productivity and enhanced market linkages. These are aquaculture, cowpeas, maize, rice, and soybeans.

“This Plan will connect farmers with suppliers, improve agricultural extension services and inputs, and stimulate market growth to present new opportunities for millions of households to improve their standard of living and quality of life” said Dr Amos Sakaba, who presented the Draft Policy at the workshop.

The Niger State Governor, Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Sani Bello was represented at the event by Ibrahim Balarabe, the Chief of Staff to the governor, who said “It is our belief that this initiative will reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty among our people. He further assured the USAID of all the necessary support from the state government.”

In his closing remarks, the state's commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Dr Mustapha Jibril said the partnership between the State and USAID on "FEED THE FUTURE" and this stakeholder' validation workshop on the Draft Niger State Sector Specific Investment Incentive Policy has provided a snapshot of the resources and expertise ready to play their critical part in developing a dynamic, diverse, and market driven agricultural economy.” In such an environment, the public and private sector can play “a key role in driving the business of agriculture while helping ensure a bounteous supply of highly nutritional food to feed the state, nation and provide jobs with growth potential.”

"The Administration of Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello is always ready to support any serious investors who are ready to invest in the state for the betterment of Niger State and Nigerlites and are already partnering with different agencies so as to boost the state Economy, Increase IGR and to make Niger State shine." The commissioner added.

Sallah Greetings !

I rejoice with all Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Let's use this period to reflect & imbibe the spirit of sacrifice which is required for the Nation’s peace & progress through sustained prayers in the face of the current security & economic challenges.

I urge us all to emulate the virtues of total obedience, sacrifice in faith and selfless service as demonstrated and exemplified by Prophet lbrahim.
Eid Mubarak.

Niger State Partners With South Korea On Suleja Smart City Project

By Abdul Mohammed Isa, Niger State
On Jul 8, 2021

Niger State Government in North central Nigeria, has planned to partner with the Korean Government for the development of a Smart City in Suleja area of the State.

The State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, who appreciated the South Korean Government for accepting to partner with the state, expressed optimism for more of such partnership for the development of the state.

The Governor stated this during the report on the feasibility study of the proposed Suleja Smart City project by Mr Sun-Jun Kang, of the South Korean Engineering Company, DOHWA Engineering in Minna the Niger State capital.

The Niger State Governor who assured that the proposed City will be a reality, said the project was conceived about 10 years ago by the previous administration of the state.

Alhaji Saidu Suleiman Takuma, the Managing Director of the proposed Suleja Smart City Company, disclosed that the vision of the Niger State government is to have an all encompassing city comprising of both residential, commercial and other related facilities.

“The project will be private sector driven for the government to attract investors to the project. The ongoing feasibility study and design of the Smart City by the Korean DOHWA Engineering, through the Government of South Korea, is expected to be completed in August 2021” Takuma added.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS JAIZ BANK TO DEVELOP PART OF MINNA CITY CENTER.

Niger state Government has announced its readiness to go into partnership with Jaiz bank to lease out the Minna City Centre for development.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Dr. Mustapha Jibrin at Government House, Minna, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.

The Commissioner said the Minna City Center located around Mobil, which is one of the incomplete projects by the last administration, is to be made viable as part of efforts by the present administration to improve the economic situation, life and wellbeing of the people of the state.

He explained that the project is worth billions of naira, stressing that the dwindling resources experienced by the state led to the decision to go into partnership with the bank.

Dr. Mustapha Jibrin said that Niger state government, through the Ministry of Investment in collaboration with the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Ministries of Tourism, Lands, Works and Environment went into discussion with Jaiz Bank to ensure the development of the whole centre with the bank building about 540 modern shops to include restaurant and recreation centre, adding that discussions have reached advanced stage.

INVESTMENT: Round-Table discussion between Management team of Ministry of Investment, commerce and Industry,Niger State and that of Bons Hotel from South Africa

Bons Hotel is an international hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, now operates 37 hotels across the African continent, including hotels in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia and South Africa. The West African arm, BON Hotels International West Africa, oversees the operations and management of hotels throughout Nigeria.

GOVERNOR SANI BELLO CONSTITUTES 14-MAN GIZ-SEDIN STEERING COMMITTEE IN NIGER STATE

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has constituted a 14-Man Steering Committee for the implementation of the German Development Corporation-Pro Poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria Programme (GIZ-SEDIN) for Niger State.

The Governor, who inaugurated the committee at Government House, Minna, said that the committee is to provide support for the overall implementation of the program in the state, review and monitor the statutory goal, objective and give general direction to the program.

Governor Sani Bello said part of the activities of the committee is to give recommendations on project approaches and selection as well as participate in the discussions on general strategies and opportunities of the program, planning, and implementation.

He urged the committee to facilitate cooperation with state actors and ensure total buy-in for the program activities and projects.

The Governor also told the committee to make their presence felt and introduce new projects that are beneficial to the people.

While commending the activities of the GIZ, aimed at reducing poverty in the country, the Governor assured that government will support the program by giving priority to small businesses, especially in agriculture and capacity building.

The GIZ head of the program in Nigeria, Markus Wauschkuhn said the program is aimed at providing jobs through value-chain, creation of access to finance and credit funds for doing business as well as train women in entrepreneurship skills.

Wauschkuhn said they were happy with the long years of working in Niger State and that they will collaborate with various agencies for optimal results.

Members of the committee include; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to serve as the chairman, while the Commissioners of Investment, Planning, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Youth, and Sports are members.

Other members include; Director General (DG) Commodity and Export Agency, President of Niger Chambers of Commerce, Permanent Secretaries of Lands, Justice, Economic Affairs in SSG's office, Chairman of Local Economic Forum, and Representative of Women Entrepreneurs, while GIZ is to provide the Secretary.

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State.

" HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY "

Eid Mubarak.

RESUSCITATION OF MORIBUND INDUSTRIES: Niger State Government has reiterated commitment to providing favourable atmosphere for resuscitation of Moribund industries to boost the State's economy.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Investment, Commerce and Industry, Dr Mustapha Jibril represented by his Technical Adviser, Hon. Abubakar Sadauki during a meeting of Stakeholders on resuscitation of Moribund industries in the state held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna recently.

The Commissioner said resuscitation of ailing industries and returning them to gainful operations was a vital step not only to economic rejuvenation, but also social rehabilitation. He pointed out if most industries are revitalised it it reduce the number of unemployed youths in the our societies.

While underscoring the importance of functional industries to the growth and development of the state, Dr. Mustapha Jibril emphasised that Ministry of Investment, Commerce and Industry under his leadership deems it necessary to curtail the effect of Moribund industries on the state economy through active engagement of our development partners.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alh. Yahaya Baba Wachiko said the aim of convening the meeting was to bring together captains of industry availing them business and technical assistance to enable them access assistance programmes introduced by the FG which according to him, are domiciled in Bank of Industry (BOI), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) among others.

Baba Wachiko who chaired the meeting pointed out that the state government under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello is poised to diversifying the State's economy through among others, rejuvenation of industrial operations citing an instance with the famous Zungeru Fertiliser Company which has a production capacity of 200metric tones of fertilisers per day, will soon be recommissioned for a full scale production.

In the same vein, the special guest and Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane represented by the Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs, Alh. Hussaini Ahmed Mohammed expressed optimism that the meeting will serve as a guide and support to entrepreneurs in the quest of accessing opportunities created by Federal Government.
Professor Mustapha Zubairu also gave his remark and the need for the Nigerlites to take advantage of entrepreneurship opportunities in Niger state. He said," it's high we stop calling ourselves a civil service state. He stated out that those days in the 80s Niger state was 2nd in the North after Kano in terms on industrializarion. He listed some numbers of industries in minna who were doing so well at that time.

Highlight of the meeting was presentations made by the invited entrepreneurs from different parts of the state including representative of Sani Basket and Sons Nigeria Limited, Alh. Sani Bello Basket, repreaentative of Bakai Helvetica a phamaceutical company in minna among others who appreciated the meeting especially at this crucial time when alot of industries were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

WORKERS DAY.
(1st May 2021)

“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

To all workers around the world, we say thank you for your contributions and we wish you a Happy Labor Day!