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Interview: Chinese firms helpful in development of Nigeria's NW state: governor

Xinhua, March 10, 2016 Adjust font size:

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. Endit