Niger State located in the North Central zone of Nigeria, has some unique features that stand it out. Apart from having the largest landmass, a land that is arable for the cultivation of different food and cash crops, it is home to two military rulers, the only military president in the history of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who successfully spearheaded the transition from military to civil rule in 1999.
With a land area covering 76,363 Square kilometers, most of which is suitable enough for the cultivation of different crops, Niger has the potential of addressing the nation’s food security needs and also supporting the drive for export. This is a state with land suitable for the cultivation of sheanut, soybeans, rice, sesame and yams, among other staple foods. Unfortunately, what the power state boasts of as resources has not been fully harnessed.
Agric revolution
However, in the face of Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges and economic hardships, the narrative seems poised for change with Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, affectionately dubbed the Farmer Governor, in the saddle. He is currently spearheading initiatives to revolutionize agriculture and propel Niger State into a pivotal role in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable food security.
Governor Bago whose outstanding performance earned him the Governor of the Year Award, has launched an ambitious food security and farm mechanization programme to enhance food production and security. This initiative includes the procurement of 300 tractors and the distribution of essential inputs such as rice millers, threshers, hammer mills, and fertilizers to farmers across the state.
A particularly noteworthy innovation is the government’s plan to allocate 550,000 hectares of land to 35,000 farmers, aiming to produce 3 million tons of food, while providing them with N30 billion worth of farm inputs.
Additionally, the state has established a N3.5 billion Agricultural Development Fund to not only encourage youth participation in agriculture but also address economic and social essentials.
Interestingly, the state recently signed a memorandum of understanding Lagos State to establish a robust market for agricultural produce through the “Produce-for-Lagos” initiative. Under the initiative, Lagos will serve as a handy market for farmers in Niger State.
With the formal launch of an ambitious food security and farm mechanization programme which strives to boost food production and security, Governor Bago is doing all it takes to radically change the face of food production in Niger State.
Niger state’s renewed focus on agriculture is not only timely but resonates well with the overall drive towards repositioning Nigeria for sustainable food security and economic growth. There is no contesting the fact that Nigeria is facing what can mildly be described as economic turbulence and addressing this requires concerted efforts to support agricultural development. And since agriculture remains the low-hanging fruit in turning the nation’s fortune, governments at all levels must accord top priority to this all-important sector.
There has been, justifiably so, persistent calls on the government to support agriculture. To fully appreciate this call, we must note that as global food demands continue to rise, with the World Bank forecasting a 70% increase by 2050, the agriculture sector will require $80bn in global investments every year. Food demand in Africa is projected to grow more rapidly, with the World Bank estimating that the total size of the market will approach $1trn by 2030.
Beyond agriculture
Good enough, Bago’s transformative agenda extends beyond agriculture. Encapsulated in his “New Niger” policy which prioritizes other critical sectors like security, education, science and technology, agriculture, commerce, tourism, civil service, health, infrastructure/urban renewal, local government and traditional Institutions, revenue generation, women and youth development, the agenda reflects his commitment to holistic development.
Tellingly, Bago’s commitment to education is evident in actions such as clearing outstanding fees owed by the state government to examination bodies.
As it is often said, roads are the arteries through which the economy pulses. It helps link producers to markets, workers to jobs, the sick to hospital and students to schools. Obviously aware of this, Governor Bago is focusing on road construction and work on the six lane roads with flyovers in Minna, the state capital and Ring Road in Bida awarded to the Arab Construction Company and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation respectively are going on smoothly.
The governor also converted the Shiroro hotel to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital (IBBUTH), underscoring his resolve to prioritise education and healthcare delivery above pleasure. He also secured the approval of the National Universities Commission to upgrade Niger State College of Education to Abdulkadir Kure University
Bago has served as member representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency of the state for a record three terms, from 2011 to 2023 when he was elected and eventually assumed office as the governor of the power state. Less than one year, he has succeeded in proving to the electorate who massively voted for him that they couldn’t have made a better choice.
With roots in the esteemed Masaba and Jantabo Royal families, Governor Bago brings a sense of heritage and duty to his role. In less than a year in office, he has demonstrated unwavering resolve and leadership, earned the trust of the electorate and is making significant strides towards overcoming the state’s longstanding challenges.
Change in the horizon
The Niger governor has remained consistent in demonstrating through words and action that he is bent on tackling the challenges that have for long impeded the development of the State. Once the current pace is dutifully sustained, things will change for good.
However, to make the current efforts to revolutionize agriculture make the much-needed maximum impact, the state government must ensure farmers have increased access to improved seeds, planting materials and fertilizers.
As Nigerians ponder the capacity of governors to run their states as economically viable entities, Bago’s pragmatic initiatives which are heralding a new era of prosperity and development for Niger state, serve as a testament to the potential for effective governance at the subnational level. Amidst the prevailing focus on addressing the current food security challenge, his proactive approach to revolutionize agriculture deserves to be emulated.
