Niger governor urges massive investment in agriculture

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has declared that Nigeria, blessed with abundant agricultural resources, has no business being trapped in poverty.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Taraba International Investment Summit held at the Taraba State Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House, in Jalingo, the state capital, Bago emphasized that Nigeria’s natural resources are capable of lifting its citizens out of economic hardship.

He highlighted the country’s fertile lands and untapped agricultural potential, calling on both the Federal Government and private sector players to leverage these advantages to eliminate poverty.

“All the factors of production are inherent here in Taraba State, and it was enumerated in Aliko Dangote’s speech. We have land, water, sun, and people,” Bago said.

While comparing Nigeria’s agricultural capacity to Europe, the governor noted that while European countries can only farm for a few months due to climatic conditions, Nigeria can farm all year round.

“We can farm 24/7, 365 days a year. It means we have no business with poverty,” he declared.

Describing himself as the “Chief Farmer of Nigeria,” Governor Bago stressed that with the availability of land, water, sunlight, and manpower, agricultural development should be prioritized.

He reaffirmed the commitment of sub-national governments to support development efforts in Taraba and across the nation.

Bago also urged the Taraba State Government to collaborate with major construction firms for land cultivation, enabling mass-scale agriculture.

He emphasized that governments should act as enablers by creating a conducive business environment and investing in assets and capital to drive agricultural transformation.