Niger State Governor Umar Bago has asserted that Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential holds the key to lifting millions out of economic distress.
Speaking with characteristic enthusiasm, Bago — who proudly refers to himself as the “Chief Farmer of Nigeria” — underscored the untapped promise of the nation’s farming sector. He pointed specifically to Taraba State as a prime example, highlighting its abundance of essential agricultural resources: fertile land, ample water supply, consistent sunlight, and a ready labor force.
Reaffirming the role of state governments in advancing national development, Bago reiterated the commitment of sub-national leaders to driving agricultural growth not only in Taraba but throughout the federation.
“The chairman of the NGF, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is sending his felicitations to the government and people of Taraba State. He has asked me to reassure you of the cooperation of sub-nationals in whatever we decide to bring development to the people of Taraba State,” he added.
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Governor Bago further urged the state government to partner with major construction firms to deploy their equipment for land cultivation, thereby enabling mass agricultural production.
He stressed that the government should play the role of an enabler by providing an environment where businesses can thrive and investing in assets and capital procurement.
“As a farmer governor, I want to see the state government partner with big companies that are doing construction. Let them use those bulldozers and heavy machinery to cultivate land and let people come and farm.”
Bago reassured the local population that agricultural investments, whether local or foreign, would not lead to their displacement. He assured the people of Taraba State that no one was coming to invest in agriculture with the intention of taking their land, emphasizing that any investment brought in was meant to benefit them.