The Niger State Government has announced plans to explore 3 million hectares of arable land to boost agricultural production and unlock the state’s potential in the Green Economy.
The move aims to enhance food security and contribute to the nation’s agricultural output, according to Governor Mohammed Bago.
Speaking at the 2024 World Food Day celebration, held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre in Minna, Governor Bago, represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to reposition Niger as a leading agricultural state.
He emphasized that the state’s vast water bodies, 23 grazing reserves, and 94 forest reserves present unique opportunities to combat hunger and ensure food sufficiency.
Governor Bago highlighted that this year’s World Food Day theme is timely, given the current challenges of high living costs, insecurity, and climate change, which have worsened food insecurity.
He stated that his administration has heavily invested in agricultural machinery and technology to enhance land preparation and cultivation, positioning Niger State as a key player in the nation’s food security strategy.
The governor called on stakeholders to collaborate in developing and implementing sustainable agricultural policies while inviting investors to take advantage of the state’s abundant resources.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Bawa, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Mathew Ahmed, praised Governor Bago’s New Niger Agenda, which aligns with the Federal Government’s food security goals.
He assured that the Ministry of Agriculture would continue to collaborate with partners to drive agricultural development and eliminate hunger.
Experts from the National Cereals Research Institute, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria commended the state’s efforts in agriculture, expressing their commitment to supporting the government’s initiatives.
In a keynote speech, Prof. Job Nmadu of the Federal University of Technology Minna recommended the adoption of people-centric policies, appropriate technology, and high-yielding seed research to achieve food security and better health outcomes in the state.
Awards were presented to Governor Bago and other key stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to agricultural development. The governor later inspected a display of food crops and livestock at the event’s exhibition stand.
