Niger Govt, AFC Partner on Infrastructure, Mineral Resources
Niger Government is set to partner with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) on power, roads and mineral resources.
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of Africa Finance Corporation, AFC in Lagos.
The Governor who said he was committed to meeting infrastructural deficit in Niger state, noted that despite huge potentials available in various areas in the state raising finance to fund projects have
been a major challenge.
“I am here to discuss areas of mutual benefit between Niger state and AFC that is why I have some members of my cabinet. The whole idea is to see areas we can work together to develop Niger state for the benefit of all. I know raising finance has been a major challenge for both states and federal government. As a state, we have huge potentials and we believe on the merit of the projects.”
Speaking on efforts so far by the state, the Governor mentioned Suleja Smart City where Niger State Government is partnering with UN-Habit, Singapore, and South Korea to build first class
infrastructure very close to Abuja.
On mineral resources, the Governor disclosed that some companies have approached the state noting that Niger is a state with huge deposits of mineral resources. He noted that enough investment has not been done in the studies in mineral resources sector as done in the oil and gas sector.
“We set up Special Purpose Vehicle, ( SPV), Zuma Mineral Development Corporation . As a state government through SPV, we have some assets and we are ready to partner with AFC to develop them properly. I know that it takes time to achieve the desired result. We are in a hurry to get it done because both the state and FG are losing revenue.”
The Governor noted that all steps to explore mineral resources in the state would recognize local partners with capacity and also carry out environmental impact assessment, EIA in line with international standards and best practices.
On roads, Minna-Bida dualization and Minna-Tegina road top the discussion where it was revealed that there are bankable documents on the projects.
In his remarks, the President and Chief Executive Officers, Samaila Zubairu, said that AFC was ready to work with Niger state particularly the concession contract adding the team from the corporation will engage with state team.
“We will look at what the state has done and also factor-in the state interest. We are ready to lead and also open to work with other partners. We are interested and look forward to working with the state. AFC is keen to explore various areas in the state”
During the courtesy visit, Niger State Government Team was received by President &Chief Executive Officer, AFC, Samaila Zubairu.
Others members of AFC management team include Oliver Andrews Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer,Taiwo Adeniji, Senior Director, Investment Group,Amadou Wadda Director, Senior Director, PD & Technical Solutions,Osam Iyahen, Director, Natural Resources Business,Begna Gebreyes, Senior Vice President Investments and Abiola Osho, Associate, Investment

Governor Sani-Bello was accompanied by Chief of Staff, Hon Mikhail Almin Bmitosahi, Commissioner for Works overseeing Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji, Zakari Abubakar, Commissioner for Transport, overseeing Mineral Resources, Engr Ibrahim Panti, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Danjuma Sallau and former Member, House Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Ebbo. Africa Finance Corporation is a leading Africa-focused supranational and multilateral development finance institution established to help address Africa’s infrastructure needs.