Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has attributed the ongoing insecurity in the state to unauthorized individuals vying for control over its abundant mineral resources. After a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Bago expressed his administration’s commitment to utilizing these valuable deposits in the best interest of the people and ensuring peace and security throughout the state.
The governor emphasized the importance of reviving the agricultural sector, which serves as the backbone of the state’s economy. He highlighted the establishment of cooperative relationships with relevant agencies to restore peace and security in all parts of the state.
Governor Bago revealed plans to leverage the state’s mineral resources through the Ministry of Mining, aiming to reduce dependence on federal allocations. By collaborating with mining companies and the State Mining Corporation, he intends to harness the state’s mining potential and make significant progress within the next year.
Acknowledging the presence of ungoverned spaces within Niger State, Governor Bago stressed the significance of agriculture, particularly irrigation farming, in these areas. His administration plans to effectively cultivate and utilize the ungoverned land by leveraging the state’s abundant water bodies.
In addition to his focus on minerals and agriculture, Governor Bago addressed women’s inclusion in government. He issued an executive order mandating the appointment of female secretaries to local government councils and pledged to appoint a female candidate for the next vacant position, surpassing the 35 percent affirmative action target and striving for gender parity.
Regarding the issue of out-of-school children, Governor Bago attributed the problem to the prevailing insecurity. To address this, he outlined plans to leverage technology and virtual platforms, drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure access to education. The governor intends to deploy educational facilities to the most affected areas, facilitating the enrollment of out-of-school children.
Governor Bago expressed optimism about curbing the security challenges in Niger State and affirmed his determination to harness the state’s mineral and agricultural resources for the benefit of its people.