By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
As part of his administration’s determined effort in turning around the economic fortunes of the state, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has concluded another phase of foreign trips, actively seeking foreign investors to develop the state’s economy.
According to Abdulllahi Idris Zuru, the Governor remained committed and determined to industrialise the state through partnership with foreign investors despite attempts being made by some hopeless and desperate politicians to scare foreign investors from the state by raising unnecessary security alarm and engagement of political thugs and hooligans in political activities.
He noted that having laid a strong and reliable foundation for the sustainable socio-economic development of the state in all sectors within two years, Governor Idris has led a team of technocrats and administrators to Europe and the US to attract credible investors with technical and financial capacity to come and invest in the state.
With abundant agricultural products, large deposits of mineral resources, and tourism potentials, including a variety of high-quality cash crops, livestock, fisheries, and tourism potentials the state envisage ceaseless influx of investors.
Zuru explained that at the every point of the tour, the Governor’s team showcased the state’s natural resources and investment opportunities to the potential investors with focus on processing and packaging for domestic consumption and export.
Governor Idris offers an enabling environment, sufficient land for agricultural production and security, but insisted that indigenous business community must be included as shareholders in the companies to be established.
He stressed that the partnership investment is expected to generate employment, create wealth, and increase the state’s internal revenue.
“Previous trips have yielded positive results, including agreements for the establishment of a cement production company in Maiyama local government area of the state.
Related to the investment believed to be critical is the ongoing construction of the 1068km Sokoto to Badagry Super highway project with over 200km located in Kebbi State, and the Dry Port being established at Tsamiya, sharing boundary with the neighbouring Republic of Benin,” he said.
It is envisaged that on completion of the two projects, Kebbi State will be opened for economically viable inter state and international business transactions.
The Governor was accompanied on the tour by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida; the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Mashal; the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Dutsin Mari and technocrats in business administration.
