Niger State has entered an agreement worth $684 million to transform the state’s agricultural sector to ensure food security, job creation and stimulate economic growth.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo, who made the disclosure, said under the agreement, a 50,000-hectare Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) will be developed to transform the sector.
“The Governor signed the contract with China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), a giant step taken to revolutionize the agricultural value chain in Nigeria especially in Niger State.
“This long-term investment will revolutionize the agricultural sector, guarantee food security, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate economic opportunities and growth. The focus is on promoting commodities and essential crops in Niger State with high potential to boost export revenues,” he explained.
He added that the Niger State SAPZ will promote increased productivity, job creation, value addition, efficient storage practices, market access and increased private sector investment in select agricultural value chain commodities.
Ebbo further revealed that Niger State is among the first few states to sign up for the agricultural initiative provided by the African Development Bank to positively catalyze agricultural development in Africa.
Niger Govt signs $684m agreement to enhance food security, stimulate economic growth