The Niger State Government has reassured both local and foreign investors of their safety amidst recent reports of bandit attacks displacing residents in certain areas. The government clarified that the locations for investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives are significantly distant from the bandit-affected regions.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment Suleiman Takuma responded to a PUNCH report of 600 residents being displaced by bandit attacks. He emphasized that the investment sites are more than six hours away from the bandit-prone areas. This statement was made during a press conference ahead of the Nigeria Public Private Partnership Network Meeting in Minna, Niger State.
Takuma highlighted Governor Mohammed Bago’s efforts to transform Niger State through the New Niger project, ensuring that banditry will not impact investment zones. “The governor is putting the right infrastructure in place, including roads, rail, and light. The governor has flagged off road construction, and they are being done under the PPP,” he stated.
He addressed concerns over the recent banditry reports, explaining the vastness of Niger State. “Banditry is a thing that has happened in many countries around the world. When investors read that something has happened in Niger, the first thing we do is a comparative analysis. To drive from one end of Niger State to another takes about six hours, more than the distance from Belgium to Turkey or Italy to France,” Takuma explained. He assured that the bandit attacks are occurring at the borders, far from the investment areas.
Takuma also mentioned the establishment of the Ministry of Nomadic Affairs by Governor Bago to address issues in the affected communities. “When investors read about people moving away because of bandits, immediately they’ll call, and we will tell them how far from the place where they are investing,” he added.
The network meeting, scheduled for June 26 and 27, aims to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. The governor’s Special Adviser on PPP, Jonathan Vatsa, elaborated on the event, stating it will explore innovative ways to leverage PPPs to advance national objectives of food security and economic growth. “This meeting is a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. By working together, we can ensure the delivery of essential infrastructure that supports food security and stimulates economic growth,” Vatsa said.