Niger State Government Achieves N600 Billion from Agriculture and Related Sectors in 2023
By Abdulkadir Yahaya Zakka.
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, announced that the state generated an impressive N600 billion from agriculture and related businesses in 2023, thanks to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.
This announcement was made during a meeting at the Government House in Minna, where Governor Bago received members of the Developing-8 (D-8) group, an intergovernmental organization, who presented a partnership proposal to the state.
Governor Bago emphasized that enhancing food security, creating job opportunities for youth, and addressing insecurity and other social issues require embracing innovative practices in crop production, irrigation farming, animal husbandry, and livestock management.
He highlighted the significant agricultural potential of the state’s land, advocating for the adoption of mechanized farming techniques to meet national food demands.
Additionally, the governor revealed the state’s initiative to integrate crop production into school curricula through the introduction of school farms, aiming to develop essential skills among students for future agricultural careers.
During the discussions, he noted that collaboration with the D-8 group can significantly benefit Niger State, particularly in renewable energy, which is crucial for agricultural advancement. Governor Bago announced the formation of a committee tasked with establishing a timeline to enhance the agreement between the state and the D-8 group, identifying the state’s needs and the group’s capabilities for collaboration.
Earlier, D-8 Secretary-General Amb. Isiaka Imam informed the governor that the organization, based in Turkey, includes member countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
He expressed the organization’s commitment to partnering with several state governments, including Niger State, to attract investors in priority sectors such as agriculture, food security, energy, ICT, tourism, small and medium enterprises, and human resources.
Amb. Imam commended Governor Bago for his contributions to human resource development and agriculture, stating that there are investors eager to collaborate with the state government.
This initiative is part of the organization’s efforts to facilitate partnership modalities.
D-8 Youth Envoy to Nigeria, Sa’idu Ahmad, praised the New Niger Development project, declaring that it distinguishes Governor Bago among his peers.
He highlighted the D-8’s commitment to fostering opportunities for youth in Niger State, with a focus on small and medium enterprises, education, and digital and human capital development.
