Bauchi Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural Investment Programme

The deputy governor of Bauchi State, Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, has reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to the full implementation of the Framework for Responsible Investment in Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) programme.

Jatau gave the assurance during an interactive session with members of the FRILIA Technical Working Group at the conference hall of his office yesterday. The team was led by the chairman of the Working Group and Commissioner for Agriculture, Aliyu Gital.

According to the deputy governor, the introduction of FRILIA will significantly address long-standing challenges that have hindered agricultural development in Bauchi State and across the country.

He described the programme as a vital step towards resolving key issues in the agricultural sector, noting that it goes beyond increasing productivity to promoting responsible, equitable, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Jatau emphasised the importance of agriculture to the state and national economy, describing it as the backbone of society that provides livelihoods for millions, ensures food security, and supports rural development.

He identified persistent conflicts between farmers and herders as one of the major challenges facing the sector, noting that such disputes have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities, and disruption of farming activities.

“The role of FRILIA in mitigating these conflicts cannot be overstated. By encouraging responsible investment and improved land management practices, the programme will help bridge the gap between farmers and herders.”

He stressed that with the active involvement of traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant government agencies, FRILIA would promote peaceful coexistence, economic collaboration, and equitable access to land resources.

The deputy governor further assured that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed is fully committed to supporting the effective implementation of the programme, noting that its success depends on collective efforts from all stakeholders.

He added that FRILIA aligns with the state government’s vision of transforming Bauchi into a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria, capable of generating employment and contributing significantly to national food security.

“With the successful implementation of this programme, Bauchi State can emerge as a model for responsible and inclusive agricultural development,” Jatau said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Aliyu Gital, assured the deputy governor that members of the Technical Working Group would work diligently to create an enabling environment for the effective implementation of FRILIA across the state.