Since assumption of office on 29th May 2023 as the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Governor Umar Muhammed Bago has proven beyond reasonable doubt that leadership is not only about being in charge — it is about taking care of those in your care.
Building on his four-point agenda of ensuring sustainable economy, improving livelihood, implementing urban renewal and promoting good governance — he has not reneged on the promises he made to the good people of the Niger State during his electioneering campaign. Governor Bago came at the right time with a view to execute people-centered ideals with integrity, and rapid action aimed at implementing a bold vision for a ‘New Niger State’.
Providentially, in less than one year of his administration, Farmer Governor Bago’s style of governance has brought about purposeful leadership with a dedication to uplifting the people of Niger State and advancing their collective well-being. He has pledged to do all within his power to bring transformative leadership through a visionary approach and unwavering commitment to progress and service to the humanity of the good people of Niger State.
Bago is a philanthropist of repute, who has impacted millions of lives through the establishment of the Bago Foundation. He has, through the Foundation, touched many lives in various facets of human development in a sustainable manner. Bago’s experience as a successful banker and three-term member of the House of Representatives prepared him for the challenges that come with being a governor. He believes that it takes two flints to make a fire – no wonder he assembled a team of technocrats that can add value to the governance. Bago and his team have been doing their best towards implementing the platform for New Niger State Green Economy. This includes the massive construction of roads in Minna, the state capital. The governor approved the construction of 100km of road with drainages and solar-powered street lights in Minna as well as the construction of 50km of roads in each of the three major towns of Bida, Kotangora, and Suleja to ensure a conducive and secure environment that can guarantee modernization, viable economy, development, and investment drive. This urban renewal drive will see up to five flyovers constructed in the heart of Minna. The Minna-Bida road which has been bad for 8 years but will soon get the midas touch of Bago. The road, when completed will add more value to the good people of Niger State.
Also, the administration renovated the Minna International Airport now Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport to serve as a hub and route for processed food and other agricultural produce for exports.
The investment drive of Bago is succeeding. The governor has approved the construction of an International Gold Market where investors can trade in Gold to boost the economy of the state. Similarly PJs Group recently unveiled a $25 million expansion strategy for 2024 in the state which will include Shea Butter Extraction Factory and soya/Rice Bran Oils Production. The administration has also liaised with the Green Climates Fund (GCF), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Adaptation Fund (AF) and Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) to access funds to accelerate climate actions in the state.
Moreover, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Railway Corporation to construct a railway that will link Minna to other major towns via the rail network to ease the evacuation of agricultural products. With the “LIGHT UP NIGER 2024” electrification project, there has been a remarkable improvement in the power supply in the state following the reinforcement of the power network through the Niger State Rural Electricity Board.
Under agriculture, crop production is a major component of Niger State’s economy, as it engages over 70% of its labor force contributing an estimated 80% of its GDP. To ensure the growth, health, and development of Nigerlites – food is important to life. In his aim towards achieving a sustainable food security, Governor Bago’s administration acquired 1000 tractors and 5000 machineries to drive the Green Economy Initiative of investment. As a result of this, farmers in the state are treated like kings while the distribution of fertilizers has now become routine.
Also, the Small and Medium Enterprises are not left out as the administration, has so far disbursed the sum of ₦100,000 each to over 8000 small business owners to ease economic challenges in the country. On education, Governor Bago has been regularly paying over N30 million as the National Examinations Council (NECO) fee for secondary school students.
Additionally, to support President Bola Tinubu’s food security drive, Governor Bago recently secured a $650M financing from John Deere Group for the purchase of 600 high-capacity tractors (100-430 HP) 2 harvesters capacity, 200 bulldozers, and 200 excavators. These machineries were inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on March 11, 2024. To reduce the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, Bago’s administration has procured 200 CNG buses that are distributed across the major cities, of Minna, Suleja, and Bida. The buses will be used to convey students to school and civil servants to their workplaces. This has had a great impact on the productivity of the workers in the state.
Governor Bago’s inclusive approach, alignments, and engagement with traditional institutions have brought about peaceful coexistence in the nooks and crannies of the state. Efforts are ongoing on the strategic significance of bridging the distance between Niger State and the Federal Capital, envisioning a future where increased connectivity stimulates economic activities and enhances development opportunities.
In conclusion, as an Executive Member of the Pan African Business Forum (PABF), I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to the PABF, under the leadership of Dr. Prosper Ladislas Agbesi, to collaborate with Governor Bago’s administration to drive state development. The forum’s esteemed relationships with global organizations, recognition, and partnership will add value to Niger State and Nigeria in particular.
As Governor Bago’s administration continues to chart a course toward a sustainable future, this is a clarion call on the good people of Niger State to support and pray for the success of this Administration.
*Shehu Umar Bida is the Wakilin Marafan Nupe
