Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State, has revealed that agriculture is crucial to curbing the problem of insecurity and ensuring sustainable development in northern Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday by Bologi Ibrahim, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, Bago called for a return to agriculture as the economic mainstay of northern Nigeria.
He noted that northern Nigeria was globally known as a giant in agriculture.
The governor said such a shift to agriculture would help to reduce the dependence on the federal government for monthly allocations.
He noted that the Niger government would convert all available spaces initially used for banditry activities in the state for farming.
The governor suggested the use of technology and mechanisation to be in line with modernisation of agriculture, adding that the government must create an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive.
Bago added that the north needs a robust plan on measures to improve the agricultural sector.