Chinese firms operating in Nigeria’s northwestern state of Katsina have been helpful and dominant in the development of various sectors of the economy, governor of the province, Aminu Bello Masari told Xinhua in a recent interview.
From the agricultural sector to education, science and
technology, health, infrastructural development and
many others, Chinese firms have keyed into the state
government’s aim of restoring human values, the
governor said.
“We are interacting with a lot of Chinese companies and
we believe that our cooperation will be mutually
beneficial,” he said.
Targeting at least four areas which include education,
health, agriculture and water Supply, Katsina, the home-
state of President Muhammadu Buhari, had embarked on
a mission to restore human values since Masari took
office as governor of the state almost a year ago.
According to Masari, Chinese companies have continued
to be major players in ongoing projects in the state
despite various challenges, such as security challenge
and poor infrastructure in the state.
In spite of the security challenges in the northern part
of Nigeria, many Chinese citizens still do business in
Katsina State and have built strong relationships with
the locals who have in turn become more friendly to and
protective of their “guests”, the governor said.
“All the roads, with the exception of one or two, were
built by Chinese companies. They have become dominant
in the business of roads, dams and borehole constructions. They are also coming in through the areas
of education,” the state governor said.
“I think the Chinese companies will do well here because
they live among the people,” he said.
To attract more investors to the state created in 1987,
the governor said his administration has ensured that the
province provides a hospitable and habitable environment
for foreigners who are interested in contributing to its
developmental goals.
“For those that are investing in the production sector,
we have made lands available for free. We provide tax
relief within the powers of the state government and
provide infrastructure, as well as security. That is what
we promise any investor that is coming to invest here,”
he said.
(Culled From Xinhuanet)
