Silver Jubilee Reflection: Niger State’s Progress and the Vision of Governor Bago
In 2016, to mark the 40th anniversary of Niger State, Newsline Newspaper published a special edition titled “Niger State at 40: Birthday without Presents.” Prominent figures from the state were interviewed to assess the state’s development progress.
I had the privilege of interviewing the late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, a former Grand Khadi of Niger State (may Allah illuminate his grave and grant him Aljanna Firdausi). The discussion centered on infrastructure, political dynamics, and future prospects for Niger State.
Sheikh Lemu expressed concern about the state’s infrastructure, lamenting, “What has been achieved in 40 years? Since Governor Murtala Nyako constructed the Tagwai Dam four decades ago, water supply issues persist in the capital. Urban roads, especially in Minna, remain unsatisfactory, and neglected intercity roads have hindered progress. Successive governments have failed to persuade the Federal Government to undertake critical development projects.”
He attributed these shortcomings to the excesses of power, selfishness, and greed among politicians, clerics, and businesspeople alike.
Today, had Sheikh Lemu been alive, he would find solace in the efforts of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who, despite being only two years old when Niger State was founded, is actively working to transform the region.
Governor Bago is undertaking significant projects such as dualizing the Minna/Bida road, expanding township roads in Minna, Bida, Kontagora, and Suleja, constructing ring roads in Bida and Kontagora, and implementing 556 kilometers of road across all 25 local government areas. These projects aim to alleviate frequent traffic congestion and reduce travel time, while negotiations with the Federal Government seek to reconstruct key highways, including Minna-Zungeru, Kontagora-Rijau, and Bida-Lemu-Wushishi roads.
Minna, once celebrated as Nigeria’s most beautiful state capital in the 1980s and 90s, had fallen into neglect. However, ongoing urban renewal initiatives are gradually revitalizing the city.
Although less than three years into his tenure, Governor Bago’s dedication to transforming Niger State into a hub of progress is evident. The government is addressing water scarcity through participation in the World Bank-funded SURWASH program, which allocates $700 million to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Interventions include expanding the capacity of Chanchaga waterworks from 70,000 to 125,000 cubic meters and integrating other towns like Bida, New Bussa, Kontagora, and Suleja into the program.
Additional efforts in health, agriculture, security, and education are underway to tackle sector-specific challenges comprehensively.
With unwavering political resolve, Governor Bago’s administration has demonstrated a sincere commitment to development. As Niger State approaches its 50th anniversary, it can be said that his leadership is a significant gift to the region.
Happy Silver Jubilee to Niger State!
Happy Birthday to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago!
May Allah ease your efforts and bless Niger State and Nigeria at large.
