Niger State Government woos investors, assures adequate security
By Bridget Ikyado
Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger State has reassured prospective investors of a safe environment for local and foreign investments.
Bago gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference, after unavailing the 1st Sub-National Green Economy Summit to be hosted by the state.
He said that as a way of ensuring security, the state is already working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to import grazing grass and other materials needed to provide ranches for Fulani cattle herders.
“We are already having an initiative with CBN where we have provided 33,000 hectares for grazing reserves and another 25,000 in the rural basin reserve so that we can have these animals domesticated.
“Security will not be an issue, the military, the Federal and State government are in collaboration; I can assure you that Niger State is safe for investment,” he said.
Bago said that the summit was in response to global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts and insecurity.
He said that the summit will help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to him, the summit will also emphasise the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development.
The governor said the summit will empower locals with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, to achieve the UN SDGs.
“Niger State government is hosting the 1st-ever subnational Green Economy Summit in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions.
“We will be unveiling the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide our developmental choice of actions.
“In view of the above, the Summit will attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context.
“This is in alignment with the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy,” he said.
Bago said that the 2-day summit will hold on Oct. 24th and 25th in Minna, the Niger State capital.
He said that the date being the International Day of Advocacy for Climate Action, underscores the resolve to achieve collective global goals.
He said it will be done through responsible local action, as Nigeria prepares to participate in the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 12.
