Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s inability to achieve food security despite its vast resources, stating that it is shameful for a country with a population of 250 million to still struggle with feeding its citizens.
The governor made this remark yesterday at the Government House while receiving the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Paulo Martins Santos, who was on a courtesy visit to Bauchi.
“Even if you engage in crop production, the market is here. We are 250 million Nigerians, yet, shamefully, we are still unable to feed ourselves. If we cannot achieve food security, then we are not on the path to prosperity, and we cannot grow by any means,” Governor Bala stated.
He highlighted Bauchi State’s vast arable land of four million hectares and assured Portuguese investors of a level playing field, free from bureaucratic obstacles, corruption, and excessive taxation.
“We are ready to welcome Portuguese investors to farm, export, create jobs, and contribute to economic development with minimal taxation and without corruption,” he added.
The governor emphasised the potential for a strong partnership between Bauchi and Portugal, pointing out their shared interests and resources.
“We have a lot of mineral resources such as metal, lead, tantalite, gold, limestone—everything you can name,” he said.
Governor Bala noted Portugal’s longstanding ties with Nigeria, recalling its early explorers and their influence, “I was not surprised when I was informed that the Portuguese Ambassador would be visiting Bauchi. The Portuguese were the first to defy all odds, opening a dark tunnel in the 15th century to reach Lagos. Their historical relationship with prominent figures like King Jaja of Opobo is well documented.”
He praised Portugal for its friendly relations and deep cultural and historical ties with Nigeria, expressing his excitement about strengthening cooperation.
Governor Bala reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering economic collaboration and attracting foreign investment. He assured the ambassador that Bauchi State remains open to investment in key sectors, including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, commerce, and industry.
He also announced Bauchi State’s upcoming investment summit and invited the Portuguese government and investors to participate, emphasising the opportunity to drive sustainable economic growth.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador Santos Martins Paulo said his visit to Bauchi stemmed from a conversation with a Bauchi House of Representatives member, which revealed multiple areas of mutual interest.
“Portugal knows Nigeria well. We were the first Europeans to visit Nigeria, dating back to 1472, starting with Lagos. The city’s name itself is Portuguese, which reflects the deep historical ties between our nations,” he said.
Ambassador Paulo emphasized the need to move beyond historical connections and actively update the partnership between both countries.
“My embassy, along with Nigeria’s office in Lisbon, has been working to identify opportunities for collaboration. Some efforts have already yielded positive results, and Bauchi State presents further potential,” he noted.
He further highlighted Portugal’s growing involvement in Nigeria, stating that the largest Portuguese-owned company is currently constructing a railway line between Kano and Maradi in Niger Republic.
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