Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has asserted that Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources hold the key to lifting its citizens out of economic hardship.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Taraba International Investment Summit, held at the Taraba State Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, the state capital, Bago emphasised the country’s untapped agricultural potential, highlighting its fertile land and favourable climate.
He called on both the Federal Government and private sector stakeholders to fully harness these resources, arguing that with year-round farming capabilities, Nigeria had no justification for widespread poverty.
“All the factors of production exist here in Taraba State, as Aliko Dangote mentioned in his speech. We have land, water, sun, and people. In Europe, they can only farm for three months in a year, but we can farm 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There’s no excuse for poverty,” Bago said.
Agricultural Wealth Unmatched
Referring to himself as the “Chief Farmer of Nigeria,” Bago reiterated that Taraba possesses all the necessary elements for large-scale agricultural productivity — including manpower, sunlight, arable land, and water.
He also conveyed greetings from the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, affirming the solidarity and support of sub-national governments in fostering development in Taraba and beyond.
“The NGF chairman sends his best wishes to the government and people of Taraba State. He has asked me to reassure you of the full cooperation of sub-national governments as we pursue development initiatives across the country,” he said.
Boosting Agricultural Infrastructure
Governor Bago urged the Taraba State Government to collaborate with major construction firms, deploying their machinery for land preparation and large-scale cultivation. He stressed the importance of government playing an enabling role by creating a conducive environment for agribusiness and investing in essential infrastructure.
“As a farmer-governor, I want to see the state government partnering with big construction companies. Let them put bulldozers and heavy equipment to work preparing land, and let the people farm on it,” he added.
No Land Displacement
Addressing concerns over possible land appropriation, Bago assured the local population that neither local nor foreign agricultural investors would displace residents from their land.
“To the people of Taraba State — no one is coming to take your land. Any agricultural investment, whether local or international, is for your benefit,” he said.