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Tag: Niger Govt

  • JUST IN: Niger Govt receives 130 rescued Papiri schoolchildren, teachers

    JUST IN: Niger Govt receives 130 rescued Papiri schoolchildren, teachers

    …state to review the minimum age limit for boarding schools

    …Church, School to address errors in figures – Bago

    The remaining 130 abducted children and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, have been handed over to the Niger State Government, bringing relief to families and the wider community ahead of the Christmas season.

    Speaking to journalists after the handover, Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed, said discrepancies surrounding the initial figures reported would be clarified by the school authorities and the Catholic Church.

    He explained that security agencies had earlier worked with a total figure of about 230 abductees, including teachers.

    “The information available to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services was that there were about 230 persons involved, including teachers. Now we have been able to get them back,” the governor said. “I don’t want us to dwell on the numbers. I’m sure the church and the school understand where the errors came from. Panic at the initial stage could have contributed to the confusion.”

    The governor said the successful release of the remaining abductees would allow parents to reunite with their children and celebrate Christmas in joy. “We are hopeful that we will reunite these people with their families immediately, by the grace of God, so they can celebrate Christmas together,” he said.

    When asked whether ransom was paid to secure the release of the children, the governor declined to comment, insisting that such details were not for public discussion.

    “I don’t think it is fair to the system or to the government to ask whether money was paid or not. The most important thing is that these children were recovered unharmed. How it was done is for us to know,” he stated.

    Governor Mohammed also expressed concern over what he described as irresponsible parenting, particularly the practice of sending very young children to boarding schools.

    He said the state would no longer condone the boarding of underage children and would review the operations of schools engaged in such practices.

    “It is very irresponsible for parents to put children of two or three years old in boarding facilities,” he said. “What we have seen here is deeply touching. Seeing children as young as two years old in captivity is unbearable. These issues will be reviewed, not just in this school but across others operating in this manner.”

    The governor said the sight of the children underscored the trauma they endured in captivity, but expressed gratitude that they were rescued alive. He thanked God for their safe return, noting that the ordeal was “scary and heartbreaking.”

    He added that arrangements were already underway to reunite the children with their parents, stating that they would first undergo medical examinations. According to him, the handover process to families is expected to be completed by the following day.

    He appreciated the President, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Service, the Nigerian Army, and everybody for their support, saying that this would not have been possible without everybody’s hands on deck.

    The Governor said that the rescue of the children is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria, as it is rarely possible that a large number of people were abducted and rescued unhurt, “it has never happened like this in Nigeria, for you to get everybody back unhurt.”

    The representative of the National Security Adviser (NSA) who is the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Center, Adamu Garba Laka said that the rescue was due to the sustained efforts of the Department of State Services and the General Officer Commanding two Division, the Nigerian Army, with the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, played a significant role in ensuring the success of this operation.

    “It is with profound humility and a deep sense of duty that I am here on behalf of the National Security Advisor to formally announce the rescue and formally handover the remaining 130 victims, both teachers and students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Aguara Local Government Area, who were abducted on the 21st of November 2025.

    “This rescue was a result of the directive of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and intense and coordinated operations by the National Security Advisor in conjunction with the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, other security agencies and international partners, which has yielded another landmark achievement of rescuing the victims unhurt.

    Read Also: Niger Govt denies banning preachers, says move aims to sanitise religious sector

    He then reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the National Security Advisor to the security of every Nigerian, adding that they will continue to lead and coordinate measures to protect communities and institutions across the country.

    “We are implementing immediate short-term protective measures in high-risk areas while concurrently working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders to develop lasting community-based security solutions. For education, it must not be a casualty of violence. We will continue to pursue policies and operations to restore confidence, reopen schools safely, and ensure that the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety is upheld.”

    The children arrived at the Niger state Government at about 3.35 pm amid tight security. They arrived in six white buses with security armoured vehicles at the back and the front. They were received by the state Governor before they were moved into the hall for the handover ceremony.

    The released students and teachers were under tight security by the officials of the DSS, as they were not allowed to speak to anyone apart from the security personnel. Moves made by journalists to speak to the children and teachers were rebuffed by the security agents.

    No parents of the released abducted children were on the ground to see the children, despite information about their rescue had gone out since Sunday night.

    The Proprietor of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, was also not on ground to receive the children; he was represented by the state CAN Vice Chairman.

  • Niger Govt denies banning preachers, says move aims to sanitise religious sector

    Niger Govt denies banning preachers, says move aims to sanitise religious sector

    The Niger State Government has dismissed reports claiming it banned religious preachers, clarifying that its efforts are focused on sanitizing the activities of Islamic scholars and organizations.

    Director General of Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, told our reporter that several media outlets misrepresented a press release issued earlier in the week. He stressed that no preacher has been stopped from practicing.

    Read Also: Niger govt to prosecute boat operators over life jacket violations

    “The statement being circulated is completely misleading. We did not ban preachers from preaching. What we agreed is that we are trying to sanitize the sector,” he explained.

    Farooq said the process involves registering Islamic scholars and organizations to create a proper database. Clerics will be required to fill out free forms, provide personal and organizational details, and undergo screening by a committee that includes representatives of Islamic groups. Those cleared will be issued certificates.

    He noted that the decision followed consultations with Islamic NGOs, which unanimously agreed on the need for regulation to curb “unguided authority” among some preachers.

    Farooq emphasized that the process is ongoing and not targeted at any religious group. “Nobody bans anybody from preaching. We are only putting structures in place to ensure sanity in the system,” he added.

    He further revealed that his media aide had been directed to publicly debunk the false reports and assured that accurate information would be made available to journalists and the public.

  • Niger govt hails FG’s waterways safety measures

    Niger govt hails FG’s waterways safety measures

    The Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for the recent donation of 3,500 life jackets to the State and other initiatives undertaken by NIWA to protect lives in Nigerian inland waterways.

    The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, addressing journalists who are on a fact-finding mission on the causes of boat mishaps in the country, on Monday in Minna, said the life jackets donated to the State have been distributed to all boat operators in the 17 Local Government Areas connected by water in the State.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Niger State, Engr. Lucky Barau disclosed that passengers were saved during a boat mishap recently in the State, especially those who put on life jackets.

    He said, “In a recent boat mishap, some passengers were saved because they were wearing life jackets. This is the impact the jacket has on boat passengers.”

    The commissioner who applauded the managing director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, said his leadership has transformed inland waterways transport in the country. She also stressed that the Ministry and the authority enjoyed a cordial working relationship that has further promoted safety in the state.

    On measures taken to curb incessant boat mishaps in the state, the Commissioner also stated that the state government has banned night travel and overcrowding of boats. She also said that the government has provided fibre boats for riverine communities to replace wooden boats, even as they are set to employ safety marshals to enforce the usage of life jackets and stop overloading of boats.

    “The state government has shared some life jackets with the operators before the Federal government came. Also, contracts have been awarded to supplement what the Federal government did.

    “The governor has also provided fibre boats to replace the wooden boats. This is to move people away from wooden boats, and they have shared about eight as a start, and we are on the verge of getting water ambulances.

    Read Also: Consultant dies in Niger Govt House

    “We’re setting up a water marshal that will enforce the usage of life jackets, because we understand that most people don’t even want to use a life jacket. So, the State government is considering recruiting water marshals who will enforce the usage of this life jacket.

    “Currently, if you don’t wear the jacket, you will not board the boat, and this is in an attempt to curb the loss of life on the state’s inland waterways,” she said.

    She also noted that the State government strictly controls overloading on the fibre boats donated to the riverine communities.

    On the development of water transportation and infrastructure, the commissioner applauded the governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for providing budgetary allocations in the 2026 budget to further provide infrastructure in waterways transportation. Out of the 27 LGAs in Niger State, she added that 17 are connected through water.

  • Niger Govt to reintroduce CRS in public schools

    Niger Govt to reintroduce CRS in public schools

    Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago has declared that the state government will re-introduce the Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in public schools across the State.

    This subject has been absent from the state school curriculum for years despite calls from the Christain Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christain groups across the states.

    The state chapter of CAN had some years ago offered to give CRS teachers to public schools, all in the bid to ensure the reintroduction of the subject. 

    Bago disclosed the reintroduction when he received a delegation from the Christians community led by the Deputy Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Mrs Afiniki Dauda at the Government House, Minna.

    He explained that the subject which will be made compulsory for Christians in public schools would help them grow with the fear of God observing that family values and morality have been replaced with social vice resulting in moral decadence.

    The governor stated that the option left is to turn to God and His teachings to rebuild family values and instill the fear of God in the younger generations.

    He appreciated the Christian community in the state for the visit and the show of love, acknowledging that they have shown him love in diverse ways while commending the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Bulus Yohanna for being a father to him.

    Read Also: Fed Govt launches electronic assets register to enhance financial management

    Bago then enjoined Christians to continue to be tolerant, appreciate each other and persevere while reassuring them of his administration’s unflinching support.

    In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended the governor of Niger state, Umaru Mohammed Bago for approving the re-introduction of the Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in public schools across the State.

    Yohanna described the governor as one who means well for the people irrespective of their religion.

    “The governor’s approval for the reintroduction of CRK in public schools across the state will bring about understanding of the faith and mutual respect.

    “I commend the leadership style of the farmer Governor, because he has shown his commitment to fairness and inclusivity irrespective of religion or tribe, which he said has fostered unity and a harmonious society among diverse groups and religion in the state.”

  • 182 lives lost to boat mishaps in 3 years – Niger Govt

    182 lives lost to boat mishaps in 3 years – Niger Govt

    Niger state government has disclosed that 182 lives have been lost to boat mishaps across the state in the past three years.

    This comes as the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) distributed 33 fibreglass boats to nine states.

    The Niger state deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, disclosed the number of lives lost to boat mishaps during the commemoration of the 2024 World Maritime Day and distribution of fibreglass boats by the N-HYPPADEC in Minna.

    According to him, 95 lives were lost in 2022, 68 lives were lost in 2023, and 19 lives were lost in 2024 due to boat mishaps, expressing optimism that the distribution of the boats would reduce the spare of deaths on water transportation.

    “The commissioning of these fibreglass boats today by N-HYPPADEC is a clear demonstration of the Commission’s mandate to the safety of lives and the prosperity of these riverine communities, whose daily lives are inextricably linked to our rivers and waterways.

    “This gesture will not only save lives but give a sense of belonging to these communities and the need for continued support for government initiatives. This laudable project is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the safety and security of our people.

    “We understand the challenges these communities face daily, and by advancing safety in the maritime sector, HYPPADEC is actively protecting lives, easing transportation, and ensuring that our waterways remain a source of livelihood.”

    Garba said that the commissioned fibreglass boats are more than just vessels they are symbols of progress, resilience, and hope for a brighter future as they will facilitate the movement of goods and services, strengthen our trade networks, and enhance community connectivity.

    He said that with safer, more reliable transportation, farmers and traders can reach markets more efficiently, and the people can access essential services with greater ease adding that the state remains committed to partnership with HYPPADEC and other stakeholders to promote the holistic development of riverine communities.

    In his address, the Managing Director, of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa said that the majority of N-HYPPADEC communities are riverine, and water transportation is not just a means of travel but the backbone of their daily life and commercial activities adding that the reliance on water transportation system has come with a heavy price as boat mishaps have equally become recurring issues in the areas.

    He said that the Commission has been consistent in its efforts to enhance marine transportation and mitigate the recurrence of boat mishaps, which have plagued these communities for many years.

    He disclosed that the boat accidents have been a result of several factors including the presence of tree logs or water snags which obstruct the safe passage of boats, overloading, night travels as well as failure to use lifejackets by the passengers on board.

    “We have also learnt that the flow of the rivers is often affected by the operation of hydro dams, which complicate navigation for both commercial and private boat operators. We cannot forget the painful instances of boat accidents that have claimed lives and caused untold hardship in the communities neighbouring the Kainji Lake between the vicinity of Shagunu of Borgu Emirate here in Niger State and Warrah of Yauri Emirate in Kebbi State.

    “We have either witnessed or heard of many tragedies of a boat capsizing on the Rivers Niger and Kaduna, claiming the lives of many individuals including children, leaving families devastated by the loss of their loved ones. The incidents remind us of the risks that many in our riverine communities were facing every day.

    “Recognising the dangers posed by water snags, we collaborated with NIWA to carry out a water snags clearing project. Together, we removed a considerable number of tree logs from parts of the Kainji and Shiroro Lakes, significantly reducing the likelihood of boat accidents caused by the snags. This was an important early step in our efforts to make our waterways safer for all who depend on them.”

    Yelwa also said that the Commission had also procured and distributed 10,000 life jackets to various communities across the N-HYPPADEC zone stressing the need for state governments to recognise the importance of water transportation and invest in it as a vital component of the national transport infrastructure.

    The managing director lamented that the continuous use of traditional wooden boats still relied on by many has increased the incidents of boat mishaps, which made the Commission procure the modern fibreglass boats, which are more durable, safer and offer superior performance in navigating the rivers.

    “The traditional wooden boats that many rely on are often prone to accidents. Although they are widely used, the wooden boats can easily be damaged, and their susceptibility to sinking makes them dangerous, especially in harsh weather conditions or turbulent waters. It is against this backdrop that we have taken a bold step to procure and distribute these 33 modern fibreglass boats.

    Read Also: Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    “These boats are a significant improvement over the traditional wooden boats. They are more durable and safer and offer superior performance in navigating rivers. Unlike wooden boats, fibreglass boats are built to withstand the rigours of water travel. Even while they have the capacity of carrying 25 persons, they do not easily sink, even in adverse conditions and they are designed to cruise smoothly against water tides, offering stability and confidence to those on board”, he said.

    He said that water transportation deserves the same level of government investment and attention as road and air transportation systems while calling on all authorities and stakeholders in the beneficiary communities to monitor and ensure judicious use of the vessels.

    Yelwa stated that Kaduna and Gombe states would get one boat each, Nasarawa and Taraba states would get two boats each, Benue state would get three boats, Kwara and Kogi would get four boats each, Kebbi would get six boats while Niger state would get eight boats.

  • Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    The Management Team Lead of Niger Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Projects (NG-RAAMP), Dr Nmaa Ahmed, has said that the state government is set to inaugurate rural roads and allocate agricultural incentives to benefit communities in the state.

    Ahmed in a statement on Wednesday, July 17, in Abuja said the governor of the state, Farmer Umar Bago has directed the mobilisation of stakeholders and rural dwellers.

    According to him, they are to participate and take ownership of any projects or agricultural incentives allocated to their respective communities.

    He further explained that the people and communities would not only get contractual value but would prevent vandalism of all sorts, thereby ensuring a win-win situation for the beneficiaries and the government.

    “We identified community sensitization as a fulcrum to bring everyone on board and participate in projects and programs bequeathed to their various communities based on the need assessments.

    Read Also: Niger govt, Bayern AG sign landmark agric partnership

     “We also explored exotic ideas of deploying strategic awareness to the community leaders and the led, emphasising and appealing to their individual and collective conscience to be conscious of the projects and programmes as their own.

    “This is to boost the socio-economic activities of trading goods and services agriculturally, from an informal market to a modern one because of the ease of movement created by the backlog maintenance, construction of more rural roads and provision of incentives based on the law establishing RAAMP.

    “The Bago-led government is committed to a New Niger Agenda where equal opportunities is visioned for rural and urban populace”, Ahmed said.

  • Niger govt, Bayern AG sign landmark agric partnership

    Niger govt, Bayern AG sign landmark agric partnership

    The Niger State Government has signed a landmark ten years strategic partnership with Bayer AG aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural landscape of the state and Nigeria in the next couple of years.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was entered through Niger Foods was at the sideline of World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC, USA,

    Bayer AG is one of the world’s largest multinational Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Agriculture companies headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany.

    It has over 150 years of experience providing tailored solutions for farmers to plant, grow, and protect their harvests using less land, water, and energy.

    With a shared vision of ‘Feeding the Nation’ and ‘Health for All, Hunger for None,’ the partnership seeks to improve agricultural sustainability, productivity and market focus.

    Through innovative solutions, global market access, and robust collaboration frameworks, the alliance anticipates significant economic growth, social upliftment, and environmental resilience within Niger State and Nigeria.

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    At the historical event, the Niger Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability at Bayer Global, Matthias Berninger, acknowledged that the partnership will trigger a cascade of benefits for Niger State and Nigeria.

    Such benefits, they said, would include supporting environmental resilience and productivity to ensuring food safety and promote economic growth.

    According to Bago, popularly known as the Farmer Governor, Niger Foods aspires to spearhead an efficient, profitable agricultural business that not only dominates the local value chain but also sets benchmarks for agricultural practices in Nigeria.

    This, he said, would be with a special focus on maize, soya beans, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetable production.

    Bayer AG on the other hand, is expected bring to the table, its commitment to leveraging innovative agricultural solutions to enhance food security, farmers’ well-being, and environmental sustainability.

    Bago said starting from July 2024, Bayer AG will play a pivotal role in facilitating development financing, essential for the phased implementation strategy guided by the 1/10/100 strategy, ensuring scalable and sustainable growth of the initiative.

    The initiative is looking at 2,000,000 farmers by 2030 and utilizing approximately 500,000 hectares of land.

    He said the partnership between Bayer and Niger Foods within the context of Niger State’s agricultural landscape promises to unlock the state’s potential as a leader in sustainable agricultural production, agribusiness, and green initiatives in Nigeria.

    He said by harnessing the state’s diverse agricultural capabilities, logistical advantages, and commitment to sustainability, this partnership is set to have a significant impact on food security, economic development, and the well-being of the local population.

    He said this will pave the way for a prosperous agricultural future for households, youth and women in Nigeria.

  • Niger govt signs off-taker agreement to boost agriculture

    Niger govt signs off-taker agreement to boost agriculture

    The Niger State Government has signed a framework agreement for commodities off-taker between Niger Food Security and Logistics Company, a state-based limited liability company, and Tropical General Investments (TGI), a privately-owned company.

    The agreement is to boost efforts towards food security and promote economic diversification in Niger State.

    The agreement was signed by the Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, and Executive Director ,TGI Group, Sadik Kassim.

    It was witnessed by Governor Umar Bago and the Chairman, Union Bank and EVC, TGI Group, Mal Faruk Gumel.

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    This was made known in a statement by the Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy to the Governor, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo.

    According to the agreement, the Niger State Government, the producer, shall be responsible for the cultivation, harvesting, aggregation, and sales of rice paddy, soya beans, maize, sesame seeds to the off-taker, Tropical General Investments, who shall be responsible for the transportation, logistics, and purchase of farm produce.

    Tropical General Investments is part of the conglomerate that includes Union Bank, Wacot Rice, Wasil, and Chi groups.

    This transaction involves the production of 600,000 – 1 million tons of food per year over the next five years. 

    The governor indicated that the production will employ over 100,000 farmers, farming on over 100,000 hectares across Niger State.

    This is expected to bring over one trillion Naira a year to the Niger state economy annually.

  • Niger govt signs MoU with TATA to boost agriculture

    Niger govt signs MoU with TATA to boost agriculture

    The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TATA Group of Companies on emergency intervention in Agriculture.

    The intervention in agriculture agreement signed in Abuja, is aimed at engaging the youths of the State in mechanization service provision.

    According to the MoU, TATA Group will provide assets, training and technology while the State Government is expected to provide support in the areas of asset acquisition, infrastructure, and commodity price stability.

    The pact, which is also expected to bring about an increase in productivity, yield and earnings of the farmers will also lead to food security, and sustainable job creation for the teeming youth in the State among others.

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    The agreement further indicated that young graduates will serve as Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for the provision of plough, harrow, ridge and trailer services under Phase One, while planter, sprayer and harvester will come under Phase Two.

    Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago signed on behalf of the State Government while the Country Director, Agriculture and Construction Equipment Division TATA Africa Services Nigeria, Engr. Chijoke Okoli signed for the company.

    The Governor expressed optimism that the MoU will come to fruition and achieve the desired results.

    The Country Director, Agriculture and Construction Equipment Division, TATA Africa Services Nigeria, Engr. Chijoke Okoli, assured that TATA as an established multinational conglomerate, will ensure it delivers its part of the agreement.

  • Drug Abuse: Niger Govt task parents child upbringing

    The Niger Government has urged parents to monitor their teenage children against drug abuse in order to reduce crimes in the society.

    The state Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatima Madugu, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Minna.

    Madugu said that it was wrong and dangerous for parents to leave their children and wards’ surveillance solely to teachers and house helps.

    She therefore advised parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children by knowing their friends and acquaintances.

    “It is harmful for parents to allow any lad to be a friend to their children or ward; I say this because every child has different background, and they come along with different traits to school.

    “This is why parents should monitor their children and wards by going as far as searching their school bags occasionally, and even their pockets, to know what content they have there,” she said.

    She noted that peer group had a lot of negative and positive influences, urging parents to be mindful of such influences which could be harmful to them and the society at large.

    “It is a necessity for parents to instill discipline of no to self medication to their children.

    “Parents should not allow their children or wards take drugs indiscriminately; rather, they should be in the know of any medication,” she said.

    The commissioner also called on parents to sharpen their thinking skills, to enable them understand promptly tact their children might exhibit to hide certain clandestine behaviours. (NAN)