The House of Representatives has applauded the achievements of Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, in transforming the agricultural sector and fostering development within the state.
The commendation came during Tuesday’s plenary session following a motion of personal explanation by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos). Benson highlighted Bago’s dedication to agriculture, infrastructural development, and religious tolerance, which have drawn attention both locally and internationally.
Benson noted that Bago’s efforts have garnered praise even from foreign leaders. “A military general from Cameroon, who studied at Harvard, recently called me to commend Governor Bago’s remarkable agricultural initiatives. This shows the governor’s impact extends beyond Nigeria,” he said.
Elected as governor in 2023, Bago earned the title “The Farmer Governor” for his unwavering commitment to agricultural advancement.
Supporting the motion, Abdullahi Saidu (APC, Niger) highlighted Niger State’s agricultural progress, citing the cultivation of over 250,000 hectares of land, procurement of modern farming equipment, and strategic partnerships with other states.
Saidu emphasized that Niger State’s initiatives positioned it as a potential food hub for the entire nation.
“Governor Bago has committed 250,000 hectares of land to sugarcane cultivation and continues to drive initiatives that make Niger State a leader in agricultural development,” Saidu remarked.
The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, described Governor Bago as a “worthy ambassador of the parliament,” underscoring his previous contributions as a House member before transitioning to governorship.
This recognition comes amidst Nigeria’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with rising food prices being a key contributor.
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for a significant 17.55% increase in the October price index year-on-year, further underscoring the importance of agricultural reforms in addressing food security.