FG’s palliatives inadequate, unsustainable, says Niger gov

• Bago plans to distribute 78 metric tons of fertilizers and farm inputs to local government areas for the next cropping season
• The governor commits to engaging in dialogue with bandits disrupting local communities, aiming to restore safety for farmers and ensure food security
  

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Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has cautioned that the palliative measures taken by the Federal Government are insufficient to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the elimination of fuel subsidy.

He suggested that both the government and citizens explore alternative approaches to address the existing economic difficulties in the country, emphasizing that the current subsidy relief is not a viable long-term solution.

The governor issued this advisory during the inauguration of the distribution of agricultural resources to wet season farmers across the state’s 25 local government areas.

“I want to use this medium to thank President Bola Tinubu, the Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for coming to the aid of vulnerable Nigerians.

“But we must be honest with ourselves; the palliative scheme cannot be sustained, we have to go back to the farm to reinflate our economy.

“In Niger State, we are poised to make agriculture become the focus of our administration in addressing poverty and food security”

The governor pointed out that to realise the policy thrust of his administration, the government would cultivate 10,000 hectares of land in each of the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State.

“We are planning to cultivate 250 hectares of land in the next cropping season with each local government area cultivating crops they have comparative advantage.

“I want all the local government council officials to take this as a marching order as we make available 78 metric tons of fertilisers and other farm inputs “.

Bago reiterated his government’s commitment to engage in dialogue with the bandits causing disruptions in the local communities. The aim is to restore safety for farmers and facilitate their return to work without fear.

The governor emphasized the need to hold conversations with these individuals (bandits) to effectively manage the violence within the state. This approach is intended to support agricultural objectives, empower citizens, and ensure food security.

In pursuit of an inclusive governance structure, the Ministry of Nomad and Pastoral Affairs has been established to incorporate a previously marginalized sector.

Governor Bago also encouraged the state’s young population to participate in the agricultural initiatives introduced by his administration, offering the potential for job creation.

He stressed the importance of youth involvement in farming as part of the broader agricultural transformation being initiated.