THUR, SEPT 14 2023-theGBJournal |Niger State Government has strengthened its relationship with Deutsche Bank in key development areas.
This was brought to the fore when Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago held a preliminary discussion with the Managing Director (MD), Sub-Saharan Africa, Deutsche Bank, Edward Marlow, and his team, at the Niger State liaison office in Abuja.
The areas of collaboration are rails, renewable energy, and healthcare services.
Governor Umaru Bago expressed optimism that the partnership will come to fruition as both parties are committed to developmental initiatives.
He appreciated the global lead partner for accepting to partner with the state.
The MD, Sub-Saharan Africa, Deutsche Bank, Edward Marlow, explained that the multinational investment Bank is keen on the development.
He said the firm has a special interest in the rail line that will connect Minna to the Federal Capital, Abuja.
Edward Marlow assured the state of the Company’s unwavering commitment and support.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has disclosed that the State Government will invest N1 trillion in infrastructural development in the state in the next two years.
He made the disclosure when he declared open a startup workshop on the Minna-Bida road project co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), at the Government House, Minna.
The Governor who described Niger State as a gateway, connecting the Northern and Southern parts of the country, maintained that developing the state’s infrastructure will be of immense benefit to the state and the country as a whole.
He appreciated the IsDB and ADFD for agreeing to co-finance the Minna-Bida road project.
Governor Umaru Bago highlighted the huge potential in the state ranging from its size; to the presence of four hydro dams; and eight national to international borders among others which he said are selling points that would attract investors into the state.
The Governor called on development partners to support the state in the areas of security, health, education, and agriculture so that the state can attain an enviable height of development adding that counterpart funds are available.
He also directed his Commissioner for Communication Technology and Digital Economy, Suleiman Isah to engage Telecommunication companies on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which would improve online education in the state.
The Team leader, Alagi Basiru Gaye disclosed that 163 Million U.S Dollars has been earmarked for the project out of which the Islamic Development Bank will provide 86.64 Million U.S Dollars, 44.76 Million from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund while the Niger State Government is to provide 31.6 Million U.S Dollars.
While acknowledging the efforts of the state government towards the success of the project, Basiru Gaye explained the startup workshop is important for the effective implementation of the project and enhances the capacities of executing agencies and project management units among others.
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