News in Brief:
– Niger state Governor Umaru Bago has revealed plans to partner with Dangote to build Africa’s biggest rice mill.
– The governor has lamented worsening security in the region, revealing plans to ban open grazing as a means to combat the menace.
Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced plans by his administration to partner with Africa’s Richest man, Aliko Dangote, to build Africa’s biggest rice mill in the state.
The governor stated that upon completion, this mill will process 500,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice daily. He added that the Dangote Group CEO has pledged to make available 500 shipping containers, 40 feet long, to be used in storing harvested agricultural product, as a means to mitigate losses associated with post-harvest activities.
The governor made these remarks at a lecture marking his one year in office, in the state capital of Minna, recently. He highlighted the role agriculture played in the economy during the event, stressing its capacity to generate employment for many as well as sustain livelihoods.
However, in a move to stem the increasing menace of banditry and kidnapping currently prevalent in most northern Nigerian states, the governor revealed that his administration was in the process of perfecting plans to ban open grazing throughout the state.
Stakeholders present at the ceremony included dignitaries from various sector of human endeavours in the state. They were all enjoined by the governor to support the state’s administration in realising the eventual success of the Niger Agenda.
