Niger Is A Viable Destination For Investors Says Gov Sani-Bello … As State Govt Set To Partner AFC On power, Roads ,Mineral Resources

Niger State Government is set to partner with Africa Finance Corporation,AFC on power, roads and mineral resources.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello made this known when he
paid a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of Africa Finance
Corporation, AFC in Lagos.

The Governor who said he was committed to meeting infrastructural
deficit in Niger state, noted that despite huge potentials available
in various areas in the state raising finance to fund projects have
been a major challenge.

“I am here to discuss areas of mutual benefit between Niger state and
AFC that is why I have some members of my cabinet.  The whole idea is to see areas  we can work together to develop Niger state for the
benefit of all. I know raising finance has been a major challenge for
both states and federal government. As a state , we have huge potentials and we believe on the merit of the projects.”

Speaking on efforts so far by the state, the Governor mentioned Suleja Smart City where Niger State Government is partnering with UN-Habit, Singapore, and  South Korea to build first  class infrastructure very close to Abuja.

On mineral resources, the Governor disclosed that some companies have
approached the state noting that  Niger remain a state with huge deposits of mineral resources. He noted that enough investment have not been done in the studies  in mineral resources sector as done in the oil and gas sector.

“We set up Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV , Zuma Mineral Development
Corporation . As a state government through SPV, we have some assets
and we are ready to partner with AFC  to develop them properly.I know that it takes time to achieve the desired result.  We are in a hurry to get it done because both the state and FG are loosing revenue.”

The Governor noted that all steps to explore mineral resources in the
state would recognize local partners with capacity and  also carry out
environmental impact assessment, EIA in line with international standards and best practices.

On roads, Minna-Bida dualization  and Minna-Tegina road top the discussion where it was revealed that there are bankable documents on
the projects.

In his remarks, the President and Chief Executive Officers, Samaila Zubairu, said that AFC was ready to work with Niger state particularly the concession contract adding the team from the corporation will engage with state team.

“We will look at what the state has done and also factor-in the state
interest .  We are ready to lead and also  open to work with other
partners.  We are interested and look forward to working with the
state.  AFC is keen to explore various areas in the state”

Niger State Government Team was received during the courtesy visit, by President &Chief Executive Officer,AFC,  Samaila Zubairu.

Others present members of AFC management team include Oliver Andrews Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer,Taiwo Adeniji, Senior Director, Investment Group,Amadou Wadda Director, Senior Director, PD & Technical Solutions,Osam Iyahen, Director, Natural Resources Business,Begna Gebreyes, Senior Vice President Investments and Abiola Osho, Associate, Investment

Governor Sani-Bello was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon Mikhail Almin Bmitosahi, Commissioner for Works overseeing Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji, Zakari Abubakar, Commissioner for Transport,overseeing Mineral Resources, Engr Ibrahim Panti, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Danjuma Sallau and former  Member,House Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Ebbo.

Africa Finance Corporation is a leading Africa-focused supranational
and multilateral development finance institution established to help
address Africa’s infrastructure needs.