Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu is sparing no effort in ensuring peace and security, describing both as essential catalysts for national development.
Idris stated this on Thursday in Abuja during his inaugural address as chairman of the Board of the Niger State Development Forum (NSDF), an advisory and non-partisan body dedicated to advancing development in the state.
He emphasised that no development can take place without peace and security, noting that President Tinubu understands this reality and is investing heavily in both sectors as part of a holistic strategy to transform the nation.
“Let me take this opportunity to underscore the critical nexus between development, peace, security, and infrastructure. These elements are not just interconnected—they are mutually reinforcing.
“No meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace and security, and conversely, the dividends of development often catalyze peace and stability. This is a reality well understood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration is investing heavily in these key sectors as part of a holistic strategy to transform our nation,” he said.
Idris added that the President has maintained that security is not optional but the bedrock upon which all other aspects of national progress must rest.
“That is why, under his leadership, the federal government is sparing no effort, no resource, and no commitment in strengthening our national security architecture. The aim is clear: to create a safe and conducive environment where communities can thrive, businesses can flourish, and development can take firm root,” he said.
The Minister commended the pioneer chairman of the NSDF, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada for his wisdom and dedication in steering the Forum.
He expressed his commitment to consolidating the gains recorded under his predecessor’s leadership.
Idris pledged that the Forum would leverage the intellectual and professional capacities of Niger State indigenes to support Governor Umar Bago’s efforts to drive the state’s development.
“I reaffirm my full commitment to the Forum’s mission to harness the intellectual and professional capacity of Nigerlites in advancing the development of our dear state.
“We are a non-political, impartial body, and that is our strength. Our diversity in experience and perspective allows us to serve as both bridge and catalyst—linking state with federal institutions, public with private sector, vision with action,” he said.
While inaugurating the new Board, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, hailed the vision of the Forum’s founders, stressing that developing the state remains the top priority of his administration.
He noted that despite Niger State contributing 75% of the landmass of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many of the adjoining communities remain underdeveloped.
“Seventy-five percent of the FCT was carved out of Niger State. However, most parts of Niger State that are adjacent to the FCT are slums. In recent months, we’ve taken bold steps to revoke all the lands around Zuma Rock to create a new city.
“By May 29, 2025, we will conduct the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Government House annex behind Zuma Rock,” he said.
Bago revealed that the Niger State government has secured partnerships to develop 50,000 hectares of land across the Suleja and Tafa corridors into a model city designed to rival some of the high-end districts in the FCT.
He pledged continued engagement with members of the Forum in pursuit of his administration’s goal to accelerate the pace of development in the state.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, will serve as Co-Chair of the Forum, which comprises distinguished individuals from the state.
