Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has disclosed that the present administration in the state under his watch will leverage the agro-industrial value chain in the state to provide critical infrastructure for the development of high-quality products for local consumption and export.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, stated this while declaring open the 20th Niger National Trade Fair at the Trade Fair Complex in Shango, Minna.
He added that the development will lead to enhanced food security, economic growth, and sustainable development in the state.
The governor also assured that aggressive investment promotion in the form of mouthwatering incentive packages, promotion of savings, engagement of the diaspora community, encouragement of Local and foreign trade missions, establishment of trade offices, and liaising with donor partners will all be put in place to stimulate growth.
He added that the state will ensure that business incubators, export processing, and free Trade Zones are developed to attract local and foreign investors, create employment, entice foreign exchange earnings, and facilitate the transfer of technology.
On the issue of taxes, the Governor disclosed that they have sacked all contractors of tax collection in the state with a plan to harmonise tax administration, adding that a computerised database of tax payers identification systems will be created among other plans to sanitise the system.
He further observed that the choice of the theme for this year's Trade fair, "Public-Private Partnership as A Panacea for Nigerian Economic Growth," was very apt, as according to him, PPP was a global tool for infrastructural and Industrial development, adding that the state was more than prepared to leverage on it for the economic development of the state.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Investment, Commerce, and Industry, Hamza Sarki Bello, said his ministry will continue to do its best to provide a conducive atmosphere for business in the state.
He said they were working to reposition the state in line with the renewed vigour of the present administration to place the state on the pedestal of business, disclosing that in 2010 the state was ranked 10th on ease of doing business but was presently occupying the fourth position because of some of the policies initiated by the state, such as the one-stop investment agency.
Earlier In her welcome address, the President of NCCIMA, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, said the Niger state government recognises the private sector as a partner and an engine for economic growth, and that for this, the state was ready for business.
She observed that a strong private sector may not be realised without the use of modern tools and more favourable trade and investment policies, saying that as a result of this, NCCIMA will be engaging policy makers for improved policies in relation to advancing business in the state.
The NCCIMA president also observed that for the state to stand tall among other states in Nigeria, the infrastructure deficit and dilapidation must be addressed, which included bad roads and bridges, the rail transport system, and the revitalization of Baro Port, among others, promising that NCCIMA will do everything possible to ensure that the private sector complements the state government in developing the economy of the state.
There were goodwill messages from GIZ, the Dangote Group, and the Women Affinity Group (WAG) under the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP).