Niger State Government Reports Progress in Water Infrastructure, Investment, and Security Improvements Over the Past Three Years.
The Niger State government announced a significant expansion of Minna waterworks’ reticulation system by around 20% over the last three years under the current administration.
During a press briefing held in Minna on Friday to mark the third anniversary of the current government, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Irrigation Services, Eng. Faruq Umar Audi, highlighted efforts to improve water supply, especially in Minna.
He also revealed plans to increase the capacity of Chanchaga waterworks from 70, 000 to 125, 125,000 cubic meters to boost water availability in the near future.
Eng. Umar Audi further said that equipment at Suleja Water Works has been replaced, and the New Bussa Water Works has been rehabilitated through collaboration with the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N- HYPPADEC).
He stressed that the administration has partnered with development organizations to solve long- standing water supply issues across the state.
In related news, the Commissioner for Investment and Private Sector Development, Alh. Aminu Suleima Takuma, announced that the state secured an additional US $ 684 million from a group of Chinese companies for infrastructure projects within five sites of the state’ s special agro- industrial processing zones.
This funding adds to the US $ 29 million approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB) for projects in ten states, including Niger.
Additionally, the state has rolled out a tax exemption policy for companies willing to set up solar manufacturing plants. The ministry also signed a US $ 163 million deal with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to develop a solar project aimed at providing 24- hour electricity to 189 communities over the next decade.
Commissioner Takuma stated that Niger State has transitioned from an economy reliant on resources to a prime investment hub and a model for economic diversification.
Furthermore, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barr. Morice Magaji, noted that the administration has successfully built community trust and improved information management. A security threats committee has been established to identify risks and take proactive measures.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Obed Nana, described the briefing as a platform to showcase the administration’ s accomplishments.
He praised media practitioners for their role in the state’ s development and urged them to report objectively to foster peace, unity, and progress.
