DG NCCIMA Blames Insecurity, Poor Roads for Slow Industrial Growth in Niger

 By, Daniel Ebi , Minna.

The Director General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Alhaji Salihu Adamu, has attributed the slow pace of industrial and economic development in Niger State to insecurity, poor road infrastructure and high transportation costs.

Speaking with journalists at the ongoing International Trade Fair in Minna, Adamu called on the Niger State Government to urgently complete the abandoned Minna, Sarkin Pawa–Kaduna and Bida-Nupeko roads to ease movement and improve connectivity between the state and other parts of the country.

According to him, the difficult and lengthy journeys encountered by potential investors discourage many from establishing businesses in the state.

He, however, dismissed widespread perceptions that insecurity in Niger State has reached alarming levels, insisting that the situation has improved significantly due to government interventions.

“The security situation in the state is not as bad as people are saying. Government has reduced incidents of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping to the barest minimum,” he stated.

Adamu described Niger State as a peaceful and investment-friendly environment, adding, “I want to disabuse people’s minds that the insecurity in the state is as bad as they think. Niger State is a peaceful place to stay and invest.”

The NCCIMA boss further disclosed that the Federal Mortgage Bank has concluded arrangements for a new N3 billion housing scheme in the state.

He also revealed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would soon commence training programmes for youths in aircraft repairs and maintenance as part of efforts to create employment opportunities and reduce youth restiveness.

On industrial expansion, Adamu disclosed that the Dangote Group had applied to the state government for additional land allocation for sugarcane and rice cultivation as well as processing facilities.

He explained that the company would, during the trade fair, organise workshops aimed at stimulating interest among residents in establishing small, medium and large-scale industries.
Adamu urged the people of the state to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the workshops and investment initiatives.

No fewer than 30 corporate organisations are participating in the trade exhibition.