Niger State Governor, Mr. Umar Bago, has revealed that farmers are eager to return to their farms in the state, with many already back in their fields.
Governor Bago, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, announced his commitment to pilot the planned 500,000 hectares of agricultural production, a key initiative highlighted in President Tinubu’s New Year message.
In a statement on Sunday, Governor Bago shared the progress Niger State has made in aligning with the President’s vision for agricultural development.
He emphasized the state’s leading role in the food security initiative, having already initiated the implementation of 250,000 hectares of dry-season farming.
“We’ve already signed an agreement with some companies for off-take and just to keep him up to speed with what we’re doing in agriculture,” Governor Bago stated during his visit to the President.
President Tinubu’s New Year speech emphasized the significance of agriculture, specifically highlighting the ambitious plan to farm 500,000 hectares in 2024. In response, Niger State positioned itself as a pilot state for this project, showcasing its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision.
“Niger State has also provided itself as a pilot state for that project, and we are also ambitious to also match with the Federal Government 500,000 for 500,000,” Governor Bago affirmed.
He further shared that President Tinubu was positive about the initiative, expressing delight with the proactive steps taken by Niger State in the realm of agriculture.