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From Olabode Adaramola
In a deft move to improve the internally generated revenue of Niger state through diversification, the state government is set to partner with the Islamic State of Iran.
This partnership is on the heels of an invitation by the Iranian government to the state to develop its agriculture and mineral resources sectors, in the face of falls in global crude oil price.
The state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello said in Minna at the weekend that his administration was set to partner with Iran when he played host to the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Morteza Zorchi in his office at the government house, Minna .
“We are willing to partner with the people and government of Iran in developing our agriculture and the vast solid minerals deposits in the state.
This will go a long way to improve our internally generated revenue,” Gov. Sani Bello stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the visiting envoy, had disclosed the readiness of his home government to partner with the state, adding that 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.
“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, ariable 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. The province, like Niger State is rich in mineral resources and agriculture. Though a semi-arid area, the province has perfected greenhouse technology for agriculture, which can be of benefits to Niger State”, he said.
To this end, Zorchi 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 meeting with investors and stakeholders in the two sectors.
He further stated that a team of Iranian investors are to visit the state to help develop both the agriculture and mineral resources sectors after the governor’s visit.
