Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has revealed that his administration has successfully attracted over $1 billion in investment for agricultural mechanisation and technology within the past six months.
The announcement came during his visit to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, where he emphasised the state’s commitment to agricultural development.
Highlighting Niger State’s abundant resources, including arable land, water resources, and dams for agricultural purposes, Governor Bago expressed optimism about the state’s agricultural potential. He disclosed that Niger State had allocated one million hectares of land to the federal government for the upcoming 2024 dry season farming, positioning the state as a pilot for agricultural development in Nigeria.
Bago stressed the importance of agriculture, stating, “We have no other way to go than to go the way of agriculture. Production, cultivation, animal husbandry and aquaculture are the main focus of our government”. He outlined significant investments in irrigation, renewable energy and infrastructure to support the agricultural sector’s growth.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari commended Niger State for its vast agricultural potential and urged collaboration between the Federal and state governments. He emphasised the importance of translating agricultural potential into a sustainable reality, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for food security.
Kyari extended appreciation to Tinubu for his support in achieving food security and expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would overcome challenges in the agricultural sector. He invited Niger State to work with the federal government to eliminate farm input racketeering, ensuring government interventions reach genuine farmers.
