Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing agriculture, emphasizing its role in making Niger State a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security.
Speaking after receiving The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year in Agriculture Award, Bago called on governments, investors, policymakers, and citizens to prioritize agriculture.
He stressed that Nigeria must not only achieve self-sufficiency in food production but also become a global player in agricultural exports.
Dedicating the award to all Nigerian farmers, the governor said the recognition serves as motivation to intensify efforts in food production. He encouraged citizens to maximize available spaces—including backyards and sacks—for livestock and crop farming.
The award was presented on Saturday at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, where Bago was honored alongside other distinguished recipients.
Expressing gratitude to the award organizers, he reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transforming Niger State into the nation’s food hub through mechanized farming, irrigation projects, and support for rural farmers.
Bago urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture, describing it as the key to food sufficiency, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity.
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“No matter how little your space is, you can grow something. You don’t need vast farmlands to contribute to the nation’s food supply. A simple vegetable garden, a few crops in sacks, or even greenhouses can make a difference,” he said.
Bago reiterated his belief that agriculture is the new crude oil, emphasizing that reliance on oil revenue is unsustainable while he pointed out that Nigeria’s vast arable land should be harnessed for large-scale food production, agro-processing, and export, which will reduce dependence on food imports and strengthen the nation’s economy.
“With the right policies, investments, and the collective efforts of all Nigerians, we can turn our agricultural sector into a powerhouse that drives economic transformation and positions Nigeria as a leader in global food production,” he said.