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Bago’s Agricultural Revolution: Transforming Niger State and Fighting Insecurity with Farming

Bago’s Agricultural Revolution: Transforming Niger State and Fighting Insecurity with Farming
By: Zagazola Makama
In the heart of Northern Nigeria, where insecurity, unemployment, and food scarcity have long cast shadows over communities, a transformative leader is emerging. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has launched an ambitious initiative that intricately weaves together agriculture, economic revitalization, and counter-terrorism, positioning farming as a formidable weapon against the scourge of violence and instability.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Governor Bago has envisioned a governance model that transcends traditional approaches. His administration is harnessing the power of large-scale mechanized agriculture to generate employment, enhance food security, and diminish the grip of banditry in rural regions. By converting former insurgency strongholds into productive agricultural lands, Bago has garnered significant acclaim, most notably receiving The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year in Agriculture Award.
This report delves into the transformative impact of Bago’s agricultural initiatives on Niger State’s economy, the empowerment of its youth, and the disruption of long-standing networks of terror that have impeded regional development.
Transforming Banditry Hotspots into Agricultural Hubs
Niger State, the largest state in Nigeria by land area, has been besieged by relentless attacks from bandits and insurgents, leading to widespread displacement, abandoned farmlands, and disrupted economic activities. In response, Governor Bago has embarked on a proactive strategy to reclaim these territories not solely through military means but by employing the plow, the tractor, and advanced irrigation technologies.
A cornerstone of his vision is the ambitious goal of cultivating one million hectares of farmland, with a flagship project featuring a fully irrigated food production hub spanning 50,000 hectares. His administration has invested in over 500 high-capacity tractors, 1,000 pieces of irrigation equipment, and thousands of solar pumps and power tillers to empower smallholder farmers.
These initiatives aim to liberate agriculture in Niger State from the constraints of rain-fed farming, which is often unreliable. By embracing mechanization and irrigation, Bago is ensuring consistent food production throughout the year, creating jobs, and alleviating the economic vulnerabilities that often drive youth toward banditry.
Bago’s vision extends far beyond mere food production; it is fundamentally about enhancing security. He posits that by providing economic opportunities through agriculture, the recruitment pipeline that fuels youths restiveness, unemployment, terrorism and banditry can be effectively severed.
For years, terrorist organizations and bandit groups have preyed upon the poverty and unemployment that plague rural communities, enticing young men into their ranks. However, with Niger State’s renewed emphasis on agriculture, these young individuals are presented with alternatives choices that offer dignity, financial stability, and a future free from violence.
“We are utilizing farming as a strategic tool to combat insecurity,” Bago declared during a recent address. “When people have jobs, they are less inclined to take up arms. We are transforming our forests from hideouts for criminals into productive farmlands that will nourish our nation.”
In regions once dominated by banditry, the government has introduced cooperative farming schemes, providing displaced persons and communities at risk of insurgency with land, seeds, and mechanized tools to cultivate essential food crops. Security forces are deployed to ensure protection, allowing farming activities to proceed without the looming threat of attacks.
A Billion Dollar Investment in Agriculture
Beyond security concerns, Bago’s administration is positioning Niger State as a premier destination for agro-industrial investment. His forward thinking policies have attracted over one billion dollars in agricultural investments, capturing the attention of both local and international investors.
A key driver of this investment surge is the integration of cutting edge technology in farming practices. The state is facilitating access to solar-powered irrigation systems, modern storage facilities, and digital marketplaces that empower farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. By eliminating intermediaries and expanding market access, the administration is enhancing profitability for local farmers and elevating Niger State’s status as a significant agricultural powerhouse.
These investments are set to create thousands of jobs, particularly for the youth, further consolidating efforts to mitigate the economic factors that contribute to insecurity.
Infrastructure Development: The Backbone of Agricultural Success
Recognizing that agriculture cannot flourish without robust infrastructure, Governor Bago has prioritized strategic road construction and market development. In the past, farmers in rural Niger State faced immense challenges in transporting their produce due to inadequate road networks, resulting in substantial post-harvest losses.
Under Bago’s leadership, major road rehabilitation initiatives have been launched, connecting farmlands to urban markets and processing centers. Additionally, modern agricultural hubs are being established, enabling farmers to process, package, and distribute their produce efficiently.
These infrastructure projects do more than bolster agriculture; they also restore government presence in areas previously dominated by criminal factions. The resurgence of economic activity, facilitated by improved roads and market access, is actively discouraging banditry and fostering stability.
Governor Bago’s audacious approach has not gone unnoticed. Public sentiment, as reflected in social media discussions and media coverage, underscores his proactive leadership in addressing food insecurity and fostering job creation through agriculture.
The Northern Democratic Front recently hailed his vision as an “economic renaissance,” setting a benchmark for other states grappling with similar security and economic challenges. His model is now being scrutinized by policymakers seeking sustainable methods to harmonize counter-terrorism efforts with economic development.
While the full impact of his agricultural strategy is still unfolding, positive changes are already evident. Farmers are returning to their fields, investments are flowing into the state, and previously dangerous zones are evolving into vibrant economic centers.
A Comparative Analysis with Other Northern Governors
While various governors in Northern Nigeria have made noteworthy strides in governance, Bago’s approach stands out for its ambitious scale and the integration of agriculture with security measures.
For instance, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has garnered praise for his resilience in leading a state ravaged by prolonged insurgency, focusing on resettling displaced persons and rebuilding infrastructure. However, his efforts remain largely humanitarian in nature, given the security realities in Borno.
Similarly, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has initiated youth empowerment and agricultural schemes, but their impact has yet to match the extensive mechanization and investment-driven model seen in Niger State. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has emphasized industrial development, but his policies have not concentrated as heavily on agriculture as a security strategy.
Conclusion: A Transformative Visionary in Northern Nigeria
As of March 17, 2025, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago emerges as one of Northern Nigeria’s most transformative leaders. His administration’s focus on agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, food security, and counter-terrorism is reshaping the future of Niger State.
By reclaiming farmlands from bandits, investing in mechanized farming, attracting substantial agricultural investments, and developing critical infrastructure, Bago is not only nourishing the nation but also combating insecurity in a sustainable and impactful manner.
While challenges persist, his model offers a compelling blueprint for how Northern Nigeria can harness its agricultural potential to address terrorism and drive economic prosperity. If sustained, Bago’s strategy could serve as a guiding framework for other conflict affected states seeking long term solutions to insecurity.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Bago’s Agricultural Revolution: Transforming Niger State and Fighting Insecurity with Farming
News
Nigerian Air Force Neutralises Terrorists in Successful Air Interdiction at Maisani

Nigerian Air Force Neutralises Terrorists in Successful Air Interdiction at Maisani
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have executed a coordinated strike on a major terrorist enclave located at Maisani in the Timbuktu Triangle general area of Borno State, killing several ISWAP terrorists.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the air interdiction mission conducted on May 4, 2025, at approximately 1800 hours, was informed by credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, targeted terrorists’ structures cleverly concealed and camouflaged under thick shrubs in the area.
The sources said that using advanced platforms, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a focused Air Interdiction (AI) mission, resulting in the destruction of the identified enemy hideouts and the neutralisation of an unconfirmed number of insurgent fighters.
According to the sources, Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) obtained from our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms confirmed that the airstrike achieved its intended objectives, dealing a significant blow to terrorists.
Nigerian Air Force Neutralises Terrorists in Successful Air Interdiction at Maisani
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Nigeria Looks to World Bank to Tackle Challenges of National Capital Accounting

Nigeria Looks to World Bank to Tackle Challenges of National Capital Accounting
By: Michael Mike
As the world marks the 2025 Environment Day, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has appealed to the World Bank for support on capacity building, data and in addressing the challenges poised by Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) in the country.
Head of Department, National Accounts Energy and Environment at the NBS, Dr. Baba Madu made the appeal at the 2025 Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) Conference on Thursday in Abuja with support from the World Bank in. collaboration with the NBS and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Madu while noting that the NCA was a new area Nigeria must exploit to further boost the nation’s economy, said for Nigeria to grow and be at par with other developed nations, there was need to account for her natural resources.
He said: “NCA has been tasked with the crucial role of integrating natural capital into economic measurement. It is impossible to measure the economy accurately without accounting for natural resources. Issues such as environmental degradation, afforestation, desertification, and climate change all directly impact productivity.
“Productivity in turn, influences output—one of the core components of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These environmental factors must be reflected across all economic activity sectors to present a more accurate picture of national output.”
While stating that Nigeria currently has data on NCA in Nigeria, the NBS official however raised concerns over the huge data gap from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the environment sector.
He said: “We are not doing badly but we need to improve on what we are doing. In terms of data sources, I can tell you there’s a big gap because these are new areas needed to be exploited.”
Programme Leader on Sustainable Development at the World Bank, Vina Vutukuru, said there was need to jointly
explore the vital role of national accounting in national development plans and to brainstorm on how Nigeria could institutionalize it.
He said: “Establishing the national capital accounting as part of the national account system will allow us to measure the economic value of ecosystem services such as clean air, water and biodiversity which are essential for our well-being and economic prosperity.”
Vutukuru commended Nigeria for having “very bold ambitions” as far as responding to climate change was concerned saying, “That shows the commitment of the policy makers here towards the issue of climate.
“But I think to back up that aspiration and the aggressive goals that Nigeria has set for itself, the foundational thing for those goals to materialize those objectives to come true is a very strong natural account system.”
Head of Media, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Chioma Azie who represented her Director General, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe at the event, described Nigeria as a very ambitious country, stressing that natural resources was instrumental to achieving all the objective of climate action.
She said: “Technology, policy reforms, behavioral changes has a role to play but natural resources is very key because they’re underpinning the mitigation and adaptation for climate action.
“If you look at Nigeria’s NDC, the NCA is an avenue to provide raw materials that we could use to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“If you look at what we have done in terms of this NDC in 2020.which is the second leg of the NDC, we identified a lot of mitigation activities within this mentioned sectors of ours. In agricultural sector we talked about smart agriculture. What is smart agriculture without natural resources?
“We talked about biomass, what is biomass without natural resources? We also spoke about land use changes and that is natural resources, we talk about natural solutions and we talked about also afforestation, reafforestation. Those are mitigation potentials of our NDC. So, we cannot achieve our NDC without SEEA.
“What you cannot be able to account for is recorded as if it is not done so if we know what is existing in terms of the reservoirs we have for natural resources, it can inform the scope of the mitigation activities we’re going to be imputing in the NDC 3.0,” she said.
Nigeria Looks to World Bank to Tackle Challenges of National Capital Accounting
News
NIMC Insists All Its Verification Services, Functional, Accessible

NIMC Insists All Its Verification Services, Functional, Accessible
.. Says Police Service Commission Not Denied Access
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said all its verification service platforms are functional and accessible to all partners including all security agencies.
The Commission, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke said it is aware of the purported ”inability of the Police Service Commission (PSC) to access the NIMC verification server,” insisting that the “information is not only misleading but also inaccurate.”
Adegoke said: “To set the record straight, the NIMC granted verification access to all Nigerian Police formations for the verification of the National Identification Number (NIN). The NPF, PSC and other security agencies have been enjoying uninterrupted verification services for over five years.
“NIMC has provided top-notch verification services for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force, as conducted by the PSC and at no time have there been any complaints or issues regarding NIN Verification by the NPF or PSC.”
Adegoke, in the statement, claimed that: “The Commission has a robust and harmonious working relationship with the Nigerian Police Force and the Police Service Commission. The Information Communications and Technology (ICT) department of the Nigeria Police Force is actively managing the long-standing verification and integration service between the NIMC and all Nigeria Police formations. NIMC will continue to provide flawless verification services for the purpose of recruitment, security mapping, cybercrime control, and any other security matters.”
He explained that: “The framework by which NIMC provides services to the security agencies was recently restructured for standardization and effective implementation, following consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser, and NPF has confirmed the verification services have continued to be available. We therefore believe that any service interruption experienced by PSC may be due to internal matters.”
He promised that: “NIMC is committed to providing excellent verification services to the PSC, NPF and all its partners but the terms and conditions inherent must be adhered to for uninterrupted flow of service.”
NIMC Insists All Its Verification Services, Functional, Accessible
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