Aliko Dangote
The Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and the Niger State Government are strengthening existing ties, while exploring fresh investment opportunities in the State.
Speaking, weekend, at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 20th Niger State National Trade Fair in Minna, the Dangote Group’s Executive Director, Government and Strategic Relations, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, an Engineer, said Niger State was central to the company’s overall investment plan in the agricultural sub-sector.
He said the Dangote rice mill earlier planned for Wushishi was being scaled up and moved to Badeggi where there was enough water supply conducive for rice farming and business.
He also announced the company’s preparedness to partnering with the Niger State Government in the educational sector.
Mr. Ahmed said given the land size, fertile topography and friendly business atmosphere, Mr. Dangote was passionate about adding value to activities of the Chamber and indeed deepening businesses in Niger State.
Representatives of the Dangote Group and Niger State Govt
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Department of the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, expressed delight for scaling up the ties, especially in the agricultural and educational sectors.
He said that the new government had created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
He urged the Dangote Group to leverage on the renewed business opportunities in Niger State.
He said the new administration was striving to build a viable economy driven by the private sector.
He said: “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 Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA) for holding the event annually to promote trade, investment, and entrepreneurship despite daunting challenges facing the State.
Speaking in the same vein, the President NCCIMA, Mrs. Bisi Adeniyi, a Medical Doctor, commended the company for sponsoring the on-going 20th Niger Trade Fair themed “Public-Private Partnership, A Panacea for Nigerian Economic Growth.”
Mrs. 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 included Dangote cement, Dangote sugar, Dangote salt and seasonings and Dangote Fertiliser.
Mrs. Bisi noted that the State recognized 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 was bearing fruits for the people of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.
