Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan, Secretary to Niger State Government signing the agreement on behalf of Governor Bello

Niger government has signed a memorandum of understanding with UN -Habitat for modernization and urbanization of Minna, the State Capital and Suleja, including the development of a smart city between Izom and Suleja.

The Secretary to Government of Niger State, Hon. brahim Isa Ladan, represented the Governor of Niger State, Alh. Abubakar Sani Bello at the occasion held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Niger is expected to contribute $940,000 USD counterpart funding for the realization of the project in  2018.

About $1m USD has already been contributed for the framework of the project through the assistance of UN-Habitat by the Korean International Trade Association (KITA) KITA, one of the partners interested in developing the New Smart City around Suleja.

While speaking during the signing of the MOU, Governor Bello was full of appreciation to the organisation for facilitating a one week study/training tour of South Korea by 15 Niger State utility managers sometimes last August.

He also thanked them for the scoping mission to the site of the new city and to Suleja town aftermath of the catastrophic floods sometimes this year.

The Governor promised prompt payment of the State’s counterpart funding of $940,000 USD to facilitate the process expected to be carried out by UN-Habitat.

He also thanked them for the scoping mission to the site of the new city and visit to Suleja town aftermath of the catastrophic floods sometimes this year.

In her remarks , the Deputy Director UN- Habitat, represented by Dr Aisa Karibo Kacyira commended  Niger state State government for being the first sub-national government to partner with UN-Habitat in order to modernize /urbanise its cities.

She further encouraged other states or sub-national government in Nigeria to emulate Niger State.

She promised also to support the State with array of experts in her organization and contacts to ensure the realization of the Niger state’s dream, which according to her,  is the primary purpose of the UN-Habitat.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Kenya, HE Sheidu O Momoh,  Deputy Executive Director/Assistant Gen. Secretary of UN, Dr Shipra Narang Suri, Coordinator, Urban Planning and Design among other top management staff.

Memebrs of Niger State’s delegation to the event are  Dr Yakubu Bello Prof. Mustapha Zubairu, Executive Chairmen of Chanchaga & Suleja LGAs, State NUJ Chairman& DG of the proposed Smart city, Hon Awwal Dattijo.