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

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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

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support

By: Our Reporter

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.


The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

  • The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
  • The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
  • A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
  • Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
  • A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
  • The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
    According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.

  • The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
    Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.
  • RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

By: Zagazola Makama

Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.

Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.

“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.

He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.

The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.

“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.

Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.

The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

By: Zagazola Makama

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.

Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.

“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.

The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.

According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.

“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.

Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.

He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.

The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.

“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.

The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End

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