$684M Chinese Investment: Niger Government Positioned to Drive Agricultural Transformation

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, has affirmed the Niger State government’s dedication to leading agricultural transformation and serving as a model for other states in Nigeria.

He announced that with a $684 million (N1.094 trillion) investment from Chinese firms China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), Niger State is poised to become a hub for agro-industrial processing, enhancing productivity and food security.

Following the contract signing in Minna, Usman emphasized that this initiative underscores the Niger State government’s commitment to becoming a significant player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“With the backing of COVEC and CREC, Niger State is set to not only lead in agricultural transformation but also attract substantial investments from both local and international partners,” he stated.

Aminu Suleiman Takuma, the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, described the partnership as a pivotal moment in the state’s economic development efforts.

“This partnership with Chinese investors marks a crucial step in transforming the agricultural sector, securing a $684 million (N1.094 trillion) investment in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) from COVEC and CREC,” Takuma explained.

He also mentioned that the state had previously met with a team from the African Development Bank, along with COVEC and CREC, to discuss the implementation plan for SAPZ development, which aims to elevate agriculture to an internationally competitive level across Africa.