The Niger State government is seeking development partners to invest in the provision of housing in major towns of the state.
The governor of Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bargo, in his goodwill message during the 2023 edition of the Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, said his administration was pursuing aggressive policies of urban renewal encompassing development of infrastructure in a bid to lure investors to the state.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, reiterated that the state would open up for investment through infrastructure development.
He said, “We are going to open up Suleija for people who want to develop. Someone had mentioned the Suleija Smart City, but why are we not attracted to it yet? It is because basic infrastructures are lacking.
“So this Sheriff that is in town now will surely take that to where investors will come. We are willing to collaborate, we have an open government with an open policy, investors, developers and financial institutions from both within and abroad are invited to come and let’s discuss how to move the project forward.”
“We also reaffirm to investors that the federal government has approved the construction of a rail line between Abuja, a station in Suleija, Minna, Zungeru, Bidda, Mokwa and Jedda respectively. So naturally it will translate to individuals flocking in.”
While appreciating Mr Festus Adebayo, the organiser of the event, he said the shortage of housing in Abuja could be remedied by the Abuja-Minna rail line which he said is just about 20 minutes shuttle and can afford some people the opportunity to work in Abuja and go to live in Minna.
“We are working on that and the CCECC too has been awarded the contract. We have pleaded with them to start from Abuja to Minna to enable us to get the advantage of being first to be reached.
“God willing, we are promising investors to come as we are willing to partner at all levels.