Abdulazeez Mala (9News Nigeria, Gombe)
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has held high-level talks with the President of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank), Professor Benedict O. Oramah, at the bank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The discussions centred on securing financing for key infrastructure projects aimed at driving industrial growth and sustainable development in Gombe State.
The proposed projects include a 100MW solar power, the canalization of the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve, and the Balanga Dam and Irrigation projects.
These projects are expected to enhance energy security, boost agricultural productivity, and promote economic diversification in the state.
During the meeting, attended by the Executive Vice President for Africa Trade and Export Development, (ATED) Mrs. Kanayo Awani, along with other senior executives of AFREXIM Bank, the governor madea presentation on investment potentials and ongoing infrastructural transformation in his state.
He outlined his administration’s vision to position Gombe as a hub for industrial and economic activities in Nigeria, emphasizing the potential impact of the proposed projects in addressing critical development challenges while enhancing the state’s competitiveness.
In his response, AFREXIM president commended Governor Yahaya for his foresight and commitment to development.
He said that the proposed projects are in line with the bank’s mandate of promoting trade and economic growth across Africa.
While expressing confidence in the impactful potential of the projects, he assured the governor of the bank’s willingness to support their implementation.
Similarly, the ATED vice president lauded the governor’s visionary leadership, and reiterated the bank’s commitment to working with the state government to bring the proposed projects to fruition.
Governor Yahaya was accompanied by key officials of his government to the meeting.
The state’s Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji and his Trade, Industry and Tourism counterpart, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, and Director General of Research and Development, Ahmed Hussaini are part of the meeting.
Others are; prominent industrialist, Abdulmumini Yunusa and Chairman of PAC Capital, Chris Oshiafi, who also serves as the transaction adviser, alongside representatives from Onyx Consulting, the fund arrangers for the projects.
