EU to partner Jigawa Govt on agriculture, solid mineral development


The European Union (EU) has said that it would work with the Jigawa Government in the development of its agriculture and solid mineral sectors to diversify the state economy.
The EU’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Arrion, gave the assurance when he visited the Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa on Wednesday in Dutse.
Arrion said the aim was not necessarily to benefit Europe, but to increase the state exports to other African countries like Ghana, Togo, Mali, Niger and others.
Arrion reiterated that the EU was disturbed by the high influx of illegal immigrants from Africa and Middle East to Europe as a result of war and insecurity in their areas.
He stressed that the safety of Africa was also the safety of Europe, adding that the EU would do all it could to solve the problem.
"So we will work with you to reduce the influx of illegal immigrants, let them stay at home, work, get married and bear children," Arrion said.
According to him, there are a lot of investment opportunities in Africa, particularly in West Africa, begging for investors, but without peace and security this will not be possible.
Responding, the governor said his administration had accorded high priority to agriculture and solid mineral development.
Badaru said that the ambassador that Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr Lee had already invested in the cultivation of rice and sugar cane in the state.
He said that the state government would like the EU to assist the state in its agricultural value chain.
The governor also drew the attention of the ambassador to two Chinese firms that had invested in granite production in the state.
Besides the partnership in agriculture and solid minerals, the governor urged the EU to intervene in the areas of education, infant mortality and morbidity in the state.
"I believe poverty level is very high; the number of out of schools is very high and so we need intervention and support on how to get out of the challenges," the governor said.
According to him, the state government is also discussing with firms from the Netherland and Italy in the areas of irrigation and tomato production.

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