Niger State government is set to partner with Iran in the development of its agriculture and mineral resources sector, in the face of fall in global oil price and the need to diversify the economy.
According to a statement by the Chief Press secretary to the Governor Jibrin Baba Ndace,the Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello gave the indication in Minna when he played host to the Iranian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Morteza Zorchi in his office.
“We are willing to partner with the people and government of Iran in developing our agriculture and the vast solid mineral deposits of the state. This will go a long way to improve our internally generated revenue,” it stated.
The statement added that the visiting ambassador had earlier disclosed the readiness of his home government to partner with the state.
“Nigeria is a very important country to the Republic of Iran. We want to expand the relationship between our country and Nigeria, as well as with states in the country. We share same misfortune with global oil crisis and we have to plan a good cooperation for mutual relationship,” he said.
The ambassador said: “It’s unfortunate that the reducing global crisis of oil has created problems for Nigeria and Iran, and it’s natural for many oil producing countries to pay much attention to diversifying their economy.”
“Nigeria is fortunate to have many mineral deposits, arable land for agriculture and water in many territory to actualise the diversification plan and by extension boost the economy of Nigeria. Niger state can benefit from a relationship with the Province of Yazd in Iran,” he added.
He said that the province, like Niger State is rich in mineral resources and has perfected greenhouse technology for agriculture, which can be of benefits to Niger State,” he said.
Zorchi therefore extended an invitation to Gov. Sani Bello, the state economic team and Niger State Chambers of Commerce and Industry to visit Yazd province with a view to meet with investors and stakeholders in the two sectors.
