Tinubu Inaugurates Airport, Agric Mechanization Equipment In Niger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has guaranteed support to Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, to achieve his desire of feeding the nation.

President Tinubu made the promise when he inaugurated equipment for mechanized agricultural activities and irrigation system for the special Agro Processing Free Zone as well as the remodelled and upgraded International Airport renamed after him in Minna.

The President, who commended the commitment and leadership style of Governor Bago, said he must support the governor.

According to him, “I can guarantee you of Federal support. I will partner with you to banish hunger. You are doing the job, and working the talks.

He encouraged him to continue with his aggressive and strong determination to be the number one to feed the nation.

Governor Bago in his remarks, said the State is well positioned to produce 50 million metric tons of assorted food crops annually and be the largest sub-national food exporter in Nigeria.

In achieving this target, the Governor disclosed that the State Government is determined to attract investments, private sector equity and loans totalling 500 billion Naira annually over the next seven years.

The Governor also disclosed that the construction of a canal to harness water from the Shiroro Dam is in the pipeline to irrigate 90,000 hectares comprising 236 kilometres of irrigation canals and other associated engineering infrastructure to expand the agricultural production capacity of the State.

He assured that the state would contribute significantly to the federal government’s strategic reserve as it will ensure that all the arable lands in the state are cultivated, adding that the idea would curb insecurity in the state as there would be no more hiding place for kidnappers and banditry activities.

“We as a state will be pleased to provide the federal government with the platform for contract farming for the National Strategic Grain Reserve with vast potential to produce 2 million metric tons of food for the strategic reserves annually”.

“This partnership will not only bolster our state’s economy but also strengthen the nation’s drive towards sustainable food security and resilience against external shocks.”

Safiya Wada,Edited By Grace Namiji