The Kebbi State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with First Bank Nigeria Plc. to boost industrialisation, mining, and infrastructure development in the state as part of its broader economic transformation plan.
Governor Nasir Idris revealed this while receiving the Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria Plc., Olusegun Olabiyesu, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
Governor Idris described Kebbi as a peaceful and investment-friendly state, stating that his administration was open to collaborations that would improve the lives of the people. He said the partnership with First Bank would help accelerate ongoing efforts in infrastructure, economic diversification, and industrial growth.
“Kebbi State Government desires partnership with First Bank to execute development projects. Kebbi is open for investment and investors,” Governor Idris said. “We are ready to do everything humanly possible to touch the lives of our people with a positive impact.”
He commended the bank for its previous investment in Kebbi, notably its support in establishing the WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, which he described as a major industrial project that has contributed significantly to economic activity in the region.
The governor said his administration had already laid strong foundations in different sectors and was committed to building on this momentum, citing visible progress across Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
On his part, First Bank’s Managing Director, Olusegun Olabiyesu, said the visit was aimed at finalising discussions on a new mining partnership between the bank and the Kebbi State Government. He noted that Kebbi’s vast solid mineral resources had attracted interest from both the bank and its foreign partners.
“First Bank is in Kebbi to explore a joint venture in mining. The state is rich in mineral resources and enjoys peace and stability. Governor Idris is a forward-looking leader, and we want to move Kebbi’s development agenda to greater heights,” Olabiyesu stated.
He explained that the bank had been a major financial partner in both the first and second phases of the WACOT Rice Mill and was now looking at broader investment opportunities.
He also disclosed plans for additional cooperation with Kebbi in key sectors such as textile manufacturing, road construction, water infrastructure, electricity and renewable energy projects like solar power, all aimed at spurring economic development and industrialisation.
“The presence of a functional international airport in Kebbi adds significant value to investment promotion, as it facilitates economic growth, trade, and wealth creation,” Olabiyesu said.
He added that First Bank, which has the largest network of branches in Nigeria, was ready to deepen its commitment to regional growth, especially in states like Kebbi that are committed to transparent governance and economic development.
Olabiyesu said foreign technical partners would soon visit Kebbi to conduct further assessments of mining sites and hold strategic discussions with the state government.
He emphasised that economic development requires close collaboration between financial institutions and governments, as regulatory approvals, infrastructure, and an enabling environment largely depend on the latter.
This partnership is expected to unlock new streams of revenue for Kebbi, generate employment, and attract further private sector investment, especially as Nigeria seeks to diversify away from oil and boost local production.
