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Niger State Government House

Projects

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Farmer Governor (Dr) Mohammed Umaru Bago has initiated a bold and transformative 40 years New Niger Development Agenda aimed at repositioning the State for sustainable development.

His administration’s strategic focus on Agriculture, Health, Education, Infrastructure, and Green Initiatives has driven unprecedented progress, fostering economic growth and improving the overall well-being of citizens. This piece provides an in-depth look at the visionary policies, key investments, and remarkable achievements that define Farmer Governor’s commitment to building a prosperous and resilient Niger State.

  1. AGRICULTURE

In the agricultural sector, Farmer Bago has spearheaded innovative initiatives aimed at revolutionizing farming practices, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security for the people of Niger State and Nigeria at large through a PPP arrangement with the Niger Foods & Logistics Company. Through strategic investments and progressive policies, he has empowered farmers to adopt modern techniques, diversify crops, and improve their yields. His commitment to the agricultural sector has not only increased food production but has also elevated the livelihoods of farmers, fostering economic growth and prosperity across the region.

As part of his dedication to transforming agriculture, Farmer Bago has significantly increased the agricultural budget for 2025 to ₦399 billion, a massive leap from the ₦43.58 billion allocated in 2024. This substantial budgetary expansion underscores his commitment to improving the sector through large-scale investments in mechanization, irrigation, and agribusiness development.

Niger State Government Budget for Agriculture is by far larger than the entire 7 states in the Northwest and combined budget for agriculture in the entire Southeast and South-southern States of Nigeria.

Being the Farmer Governor, whose ambitious mission is to revolutionize agriculture in Niger State, Farmer Bago recognizes that sustainable food security requires a holistic approach—one that addresses not only production but also value addition, market linkage, and technology adoption. Hence, some key initiatives:

  • Mechanization Drive: The Farmer Governor secured a multi-million dollars investment from John Deere and other machinery manufactural for the procurement of 1,000 agricultural machinery, including tractors, combine harvesters, bulldozers, and sprayers. This move has significantly increased productivity and reduced labor intensity.
  • Irrigation Expansion: Prioritizing the expansion of irrigation infrastructure across the state to enable year-round cultivation and minimize dependency on erratic rainfall in collaboration with Reinke Irrigation – world’s largest privately held manufacturer of irrigation systems.
  • Agribusiness Development: The Niger State Government, under the visionary leadership of Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has encouraged private sector participation, fostered agribusiness ventures and creating employment opportunities.
  • The Niger State Government has allocated 2 million hectaresof land to support a $2.5 billion livestock investment initiative, a partnership between Nigeria’s Federal Government and JBS, Brazil’s leading meat processing company. The Niger State government and JBS, a Brazilian meat company will be working together on a $2.5 billion livestock investment in Nigeria. The project will include the development of farms, abattoirs, and agricultural facilities with significant export potential.
  • $2.5 Billion Sugar Deal: Niger State Government is partnering with the Nigeria Sugar Council to revive the Nigeria Sugar Industry. Secured a $2.5 billion sugar investment from Uttam Sucrotech, Brazil, aimed at boosting sugar production, reducing import dependence, and creating thousands of jobs in the sugar value chain through the development of 250,000 hectares of sugarcane fields and 6 ethanol plants in the State over the next 3 years.
  • Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ): Attracted a $684 million investment from China Overseas Engineering Group for the establishment of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), designed to promote value addition, enhance agro-industrialization, and strengthen food supply chains. Approximately 50,000 hectares of land will be developed along the economic corridors leading to a long-term investment that will revolutionize the agricultural sector, guarantee food security, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate economic opportunities and growth, focusing on promoting commodities and essential crops in Niger State with high potential to boost export revenues.
  • Youth and Women Empowerment: Training programmes have been established to equip youths and women with skills in operating agricultural machinery, including tractors and harvesters. This initiative not only addresses unemployment but also promotes inclusive economic participation.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with international partners from the USA, UK, Germany, Brazil, India, and China have been forged to revolutionize the state’s agricultural landscape. Notably, a partnership with a Turkish firm has led to the development of a vegetable production facility with an annual output of 160,000 tons and a poultry facility producing 2.5 million chickens annually.
  1. EDUCATION

His dedication to education has been equally impressive, with a focus on expanding access to quality education and enhancing learning outcomes for all Niger students. He has prioritized the construction of new schools, training programs for educators, and scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Recognizing the critical role of education in driving sustainable and human capital development, the Niger State Government has significantly increased the budget allocation for education in 2025 to ₦190 billion, a substantial rise from the ₦77.61 billion allocated in 2024. This remarkable investment underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, improving learning infrastructure, and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for the future.

Under his leadership, the education system has experienced a renaissance, with improved infrastructure, increased enrollment rates, and enhanced academic performance. His emphasis on education as a cornerstone of development is shaping a brighter future for the youth of Niger State and unlocking boundless potential for generations to come.

Key Initiatives:

Institutional Upgrades: The Niger State Government has upgraded three tertiary institutions to expand access to higher education and specialized training:

  • College of Education, Minna was converted into a conventional university, now known as Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna.
  • Federal College of Education, Kontagora was upgraded to a Federal University of Education.
  • College of Agriculture, Mokwa was transformed into the Niger State University of Agriculture & Climate Change, Mokwa.

International Scholarship Programme: The state government under the Leadership of Farmer Bago launched an initiative awarding scholarships to 1,000 students to study science-related courses (Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, and ICT) in countries like China, Canada, India, Brazil, and Dominican Republic.

$1 Million Scholarship Fund: Niger State secured a $1 million medical education scholarship fund through a partnership with All Saints University, Toronto, Canada, further demonstrating its commitment to fostering global academic excellence for Niger students.

Infrastructure Development: A comprehensive renovation of dilapidated educational institutions is underway, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.

Support for Islamic Education: Farmer Bago has shown commitment to advancing Islamic education by supporting Islamiyyah schools, ensuring they receive sustained government assistance.

Teacher Welfare and Training: The administration prioritizes teachers’ welfare by providing continuous training and professional development, fostering a motivated and effective teaching workforce.

  1. HEALTH

In the realm of health, the Farmer Governor has been a champion for accessible and comprehensive healthcare services for all citizens of Niger. He has invested in healthcare infrastructure, expanded medical facilities, and implemented preventive health programs to combat diseases and promote well-being.

Demonstrating his commitment to the sector, the Niger State Government has significantly increased the budget allocation for health in 2025 to ₦85 billion, compared to the ₦58.55 billion allocated in 2024. This substantial investment underscores the administration’s dedication to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring better medical outcomes for the people.

Farmer Bago’s efforts will ultimately result in improved health outcomes in the nearest future, reduced mortality rates, and increased access to essential medical services, underscoring his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents of Niger.

Key Initiatives:

Healthcare Infrastructure: The transformation of Shiroro Hotel in Minna into the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment to improving medical education and healthcare services. This facility is poised to serve as a center of excellence for medical training and patient care and will be awaiting completion in 2026.

Expansion of Primary Healthcare: 100 Level 2 prototype Primary Healthcare Centres are being built across the state from existing non-functional and poorly equipped health facilities to enhance access to essential medical services at the grassroots level.

Hospital Upgrades: Several General hospitals across the state are being upgraded and equipped to improve service delivery.

Health Workforce Expansion: Over 1,000 highly skilled healthcare workers have been engaged to strengthen the healthcare workforce. This is the first time in the history of Niger State such massive recruitment of health workers was carried out.

Hospital Remodeling Projects:

  • IBB Specialist Hospital is undergoing a comprehensive remodeling to enhance its capacity and service delivery.
  • General Hospital, Tafa is being remodeled to provide better healthcare facilities for the people.
  • Kontagora General Hospital is also being remodeled to meet modern healthcare standards.

Strategic Advisory Body: The administration has constituted the Special Advisory Committee on Health to provide expert guidance and supervision on all state health reforms, policies, and projects.

 

  1. INFRASTRUCTURE

Farmer Governor Bago recognizes that robust infrastructure is the backbone of socio-economic development. With a strong focus on urban and rural renewals, his administration has embarked on massive infrastructure roads and aviation projects aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and improving the overall quality of life for Niger State residents.

The Minna Township Road Construction/Expansion Project marked the beginning of this transformation, targeting 560 kilometers of roads across the State.

To further drive this development, the budget allocation for infrastructure in 2025 has significantly increased to ₦437 billion, compared to ₦224.45 billion in the 2024 budget. This bold financial commitment underscores the administration’s determination to modernize infrastructure and enhance mobility across Niger State.

Key Infrastructure Initiatives:

Road Network Expansion:

  • The administration is constructing approximately 1,000 kilometers of roads, including 400 kilometers of federal roads, significantly improving connectivity and facilitating economic activities across the state.
  • The Government of Niger State has constructed and commissioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna – a massive infrastructural project aimed at improving aviation and cargo services, especially for the exports of Agro products.
  • Major road projects include:
  • 44km Dual Carriage Bida Ring Road
  • Minna – Bida Road (86km)
  • Minna – Suleja road

 

  • Urban Road Development:
  • The Chanchaga – Minna road has been expanded from four to six lanes to ease congestion and enhance urban mobility.
  • Two major flyover bridges have been constructed in Minna to improve traffic flow.
  • Bypass Rehabilitation:
  • The Western and Eastern Bypasses have been rehabilitated to improve connectivity and reduce travel time for commuters.
  • Township Road Projects:
  • Minimum of 5-kilometer township roads are being constructed in all 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to improve rural-urban linkages.
  • Public Transportation Enhancement:
  • The Farmer Governor has procured 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve public transportation within the state, making commuting more affordable and eco-friendly.
  • Advocacy for Federal Road Rehabilitation:
  • Governor Bago has actively engaged with the Federal Government, advocating for urgent intervention on dilapidated federal roads across Niger State. This underscores his administration’s commitment to comprehensive infrastructure development and regional connectivity.