Niger partners Australian firm to harness economic potentials

The Niger State government has initiated a partnership with an Australian firm for the establishment of a gold refinery as part of efforts to boost investment and expand private sector participation in the mining sector.

Aminu Suleman Takuma, Commissioner for Investment and Private Sector Development, disclosed this during the Domestic Trade Fair held in Minna, the state capital.

He said the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is investing heavily in critical infrastructure to create an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to thrive.

Takuma noted that Niger State possesses vast economic potential in agriculture, mining, transportation, and industrial development, stressing that the government is focused on building sustainable partnerships to drive economic growth and development.

Highlighting some of the strategic partnerships already secured by the state, he cited the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a flagship project partly funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and supported by international investors, as well as the ongoing rehabilitation of the Baro Port.

According to him, the State has also obtained a Certificate of Compliance from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), a development expected to further attract private sector investment.

Takuma explained that rather than committing enormous resources to dredging the River Niger, the government plans to adopt a cabotage system under which large vessels would offload cargo at coastal ports such as Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar, while smaller vessels would transport goods to Baro through inland waterways.

He added that the Baro Port is expected to serve as a major export hub for solid minerals from Niger State and other parts of the country, thereby enhancing trade and economic activities across the region.