Niger State has recently claimed the title of Nigeria’s top agricultural producer, overtaking Benue State. This announcement was made by Musa Bosso, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, during the celebration of World Food Day in Minna.
At the event held at the Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre, Deputy Governor Garba Yakubu represented Governor Mohammed Bago and highlighted the state’s plans to enhance food production. He shared that Niger State is now ready to feed not only its residents but also the whole country.
Governor Bago revealed that the state has set aside 3 million hectares of land for agricultural use and is investing in infrastructure to boost food production. He emphasized the significance of this year’s World Food Day theme, “Safer Foods and Better Health,” especially as Nigeria faces economic difficulties, security challenges, and climate change that have worsened food insecurity.
Bago reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Niger into a leading agricultural state through sustainable practices. He noted that the state has abundant resources, including water bodies, 23 grazing reserves, and 94 forest reserves, which can be used to develop its agricultural potential.
The state has also made significant investments in agricultural machinery, acquiring 1,000 John Deere tractors, 500 Case tractors, and 500 combine harvesters. Additionally, plans are in place to create an Agro-processing Free Zone near the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna.
Commissioner Bosso expressed pride in Niger’s agricultural achievements, stating that it is a historic moment as the state celebrates World Food Day with such recognition for the first time in nearly 20 years. He invited investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Niger, promising that the state will continue to lead in food production and contribute to national food security and export markets.
Governor Bago also urged international partners to support Niger’s agricultural development by collaborating on infrastructure improvements, modernizing farming techniques, and enhancing the value of key crops like rice, maize, cassava, and sorghum. He assured that these efforts would help eliminate hunger and improve the livelihoods of the state’s residents.
