03/08/2026
NIGER STATE GOV'T INAUGURATES TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP TO DRIVE ECO GREEN INDUSTRIAL CITY PROGRAMME
The Niger State Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the establishment of the Niger Eco Green Industrial City (NEGIC) Programme as part of its commitment to promoting a sustainable green economy and driving inclusive socio-economic development across the state.
The inauguration, which took place today at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Minna, was chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr. Muhammad Muhammad Makusidi.
Speaking at the inauguration, the SSG reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Niger State Government under the leadership of the Farmer Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, to green economy initiatives capable of unlocking the vast economic potential of the state.
He noted that Niger State is richly endowed with enormous natural resources, including vast arable land suitable for agriculture, abundant forest resources, renewable energy potential, solid minerals and water resources, which provide a strong foundation for the successful implementation of the Niger Eco Green Industrial City Programme.
The SSG described the initiative as a strategic intervention that aligns with the New Niger Agenda of sustainable development, environmental protection, economic diversification and job creation. He thereafter declared the Technical Working Group officially inaugurated.
The Technical Working Group is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government and comprises representatives of Eco Green Investments Nigeria Limited and key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministries of Justice, Finance, Investment, Environment, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agriculture and Food Security, Lands and Survey, Rural Development, Homeland Security and Water Resources, as well as the Niger State Chamber of Commerce and the Niger State Planning Commission.
In his contribution, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Isah Sidi Rijau, stressed the need for the programme to extend its impact to the remotest and hard-to-reach communities across the state to improve the livelihoods of the people. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Farmer Governor to green economy initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and rural development.
The Commissioner explained that the inclusive implementation of the programme would ensure that every community benefits from the economic opportunities associated with the project.
Earlier, the Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of Eco Green Investments Nigeria Limited, Mr. Allan Martin, presented an overview of the Niger Eco Green Industrial City Programme. He disclosed that work has commenced on the NEGIC Master Plan, with completion scheduled for 27th August, 2026.
According to him, the programme is designed to provide a structured and proactive implementation framework supported by a comprehensive programme strategy, a living risk register and a realistic implementation schedule. He explained that implementation would commence with forest surveys before progressing to agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, mass housing, ecotourism and other integrated development components.
The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretaries from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, who made valuable observations and sought clarifications on the programme's implementation strategies, demonstrating strong stakeholder commitment to the successful delivery of the initiative.
The inauguration of the Technical Working Group marks a significant milestone in Niger State's drive to position itself as a leading hub for green industrial development, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
Signed:
Abubakar Adamu Kuta
Information Officer
Office of the Secretary to the Government of Niger State.
03/08/2026.