Idris: Kebbi Takes Llead in China-Nigeria Bilateral Economic, Trade Promotion

Yusuf Onuminya

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has assured China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAPT) that it would be a fruitful partner towards bilateral collaboration for mutual benefits.

The governor made this known when he received CAPT delegation on a courtesy visit at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

He appreciated the council for finding Kebbi worthy of collaboration, assuring that partnership with them remained a welcome development.

In statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris was quoted as saying Kebbi state was in dire need of investors who would come and invest in the state, create job opportunities and make life easy and meaningful for the citizenry.  

Idris assured that all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state were endowed with abundant mineral resources, adding, “All the LGAs of the state are rice farmers.

He said, “Let me correct the statement made by the leader of this delegation that Kebbi is the second largest rice producer in Nigeria, Kebbi is not in second position but is the largest rice producer across Nigeria.”

The governor assured the readiness of his administration to send a high powered delegation to China for more collaboration and cooperation in various sectors of the economy for the good of the two countries

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Special Researcher in the council, Mr Li Zhensheng sought for synergy with Kebbi Government on different sectors of the economy.

He said the essence of the visit was to facilitate comprehensive bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria as a whole and Kebbi in particular.

Zhensheng listed the areas of collaboration to include; infrastruture, agriculture, education, industry, tourism, mineral resources and cultural exchange among others.

He said: “For over 40 years now, China has been recording successive successes in different sectors of the economy, so, we are here to share our success story with Kebbi Government to facilitate its rapid growth and development.

“The development will be actualised through a systematic means rather than pragmatic. On the delegation, we have experts that will discuss with Kebbi Government on areas of collaboration.

“We understand that Kebbi is the second highest producer of rice in Nigeria, hence, the need for our collaboration to see how we can boost the production through the use of modern technology.”

He assured that it was part of their intent to upscale the plantation of rice to two to three harvests per year, adding that they also wanted to open-up opportunities for various processing industries to thrive towards improving the livelihood of Kebbi people.

While advocating for a sister-state collaboration with China, the team leader said when they go back, they would write a report to China Government recommending Kebbi for a bilateral relationship for the benefit of both parties.

He said they sought for synergy based on win-win results, with optimism that it would be a best example for others to borrow a leave.