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Geographical Statistics
LOCATION
This State lies between the latitude of 3.20’ east and longitude 8 and
11.3’ north. It is bordered to the North by Sokoto State, West by Kebbi
State, South by Kogi and South-West by Kwara State. Kaduna and Federal
Capital Territory border the State to both North-East and South-East
respectively. The State has a common boundary with the Republic of Benin
along New Bussa, Agwara and Wushishi Local Government Area. This has
given rise to common interborder trade between the two countries.
POPULATION
Before the merger of Borgu Local Government with the State, in 1991 the
1963 National Population Census stood at 1,194,508. With the release of
the 1991 population figure by the Federal Government in 1992, Niger
State has 2,482,367 people. The spill-over of population from the
Federal Capital, Abuja is also increasing the population growth of the
State.
LAND AREA
Niger State covers a total land area of 83,266,779 square kilometres or
about 8.3 million hectares which represent 8% of the total land area of
Nigeria. About 85% of the land is arable.
SOIL
Like most alluvial soils, the soil in Niger State is the flood plain
type and is characterized by considerable variations. The soil is of two
main types which could be used for agriculture and are rich in minerals
for the manufacture of various products. The two types of soil are:
(a) the Ku-soil which has little hazards and
(b) the Ya-soil which has a better water holding capacity.
OCCUPATION
About 85% of the State’s population are farmers, while the remaining 15%
are engaged in other vocations such as white collar jobs, manufacturing,
business, production of crafts and arts.
CLIMATE
Niger State experiences distinct dry and wet seasons with annual
rainfall varying from 1,100mm in the Northern part of the State to 1,600
mm in the southern parts.
The maximum temperature is recorded between March and June, while the
minimum is usually between December and January. The rainy season lasts
for about 150 days in the Northern parts of about 120 days in the
Southern parts of the State. Generally, the climate soil and hydrology
of the State permit the cultivation of most of Nigeria’s staple crops
and still allows sufficient opportunities for grazing, fresh water
fishing and forestry development.
ECONOMY
The State is very richly and abundantly endowed naturally. The one most
important asset cherished very much by Nigerlites is the fertile land.
Added to this is the even climate of the geographical area which is
characterized by very rich annual rainfall. To crown it all, a wide
variety of mineral and material resources are known to be available in
the State. Therefore, whether the interest is agriculture or industry,
Niger State has the capacity to sustain it. This is why Nigerlites are
collectively resolved that Nigeria’s strive for self-reliance and
sufficiency could be facilitated and rapidly realized in Niger State.
The State has numerous exportable commodities begging for patronage.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Niger State is the acclaimed “Power House” of the nation because it
houses three hydro-electric power stations in the State. They are the
Shiroro hydroelectric power station commissioned in June 1990 by
president Ibrahim Babangida with initial capacity of 600 mega watts, the
renowned 500 MW Kainji generating plant and the Jebba Hydro-electricity
dam.
It is a fact that all major towns in the State and indeed, all Local
Government Headquarters except one – Agwara – have been connected to the
national grid. Even in the case of Agwara, work is in progress to get
the local government connected to the national grid.
Similarly, other smaller towns that cannot readily enjoy electricity
from the national grid are being served by the State’s Rural
Electrification efforts. Therefore electricity power does not pose a
problem to the potential investor in Niger State.
INDUSTRIALIZATION
The Government of Niger State is aware that the true development of any
nation depends on her level of industrialization. For this reason
concerted efforts have been made to ensure rapid industrialization.
Being largely an agrarian State, Niger can support a large variety of
Agro-Allied Industries. Also, the State has a lot of mineral resources
that can serve as basis for many other industries. Such resources
include gold, clay, silica, sand, kyanite, marble, copper, iron,
feldspar, lead, columbite, kaolin and tantalite.
In order to induce industrialists to invest heavily in tapping these
resources, Government has put in place many incentives such as provision
of well-serviced industrial layouts in all major towns of the State. Tax
holidays for industries, guaranteed accelerated processing of
application for industrial plot and even financial assistance in form of
loans and equity participation by the Government in certain cases. Other
facilities like telecommunication, postal services, etc are adequately
provided in the State for effective business contacts. The State has an
International Airport and is well linked to all parts of Nigeria by road
and rail.
History>>Geopraphical statistics>>Agricultural development>>Tourism>>Mineral
resources>>Traditional Institution
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