Governor Bago and Niger’s Green Economy Agenda

Governor Bago and Niger’s Green Economy Agenda

By Aliyu Umar Aliyu

The Niger State Government, under the charismatic, visionary, and pragmatic leadership of Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, “The Farmer Governor,” last year launched an ambitious green initiative, aimed at revolutionizing the state’s agricultural sector.

But the recent establishment of the Niger State Green Initiative Agency marks a significant milestone. The agency’s birth has signaled the government’s intention to harness the vast natural resources of the state to boost economic growth and sustainability.

The agency’s goal is clear: to transform Niger State into a major agricultural hub by engaging in large-scale farming, production, and export.

One of the cornerstone projects of the Niger State Government’s green initiative is the recent agreement signed with three companies—Uttham Sucrotech International, Rite Foods Ltd, and Legacy Sugar Company Ltd—for the cultivation of sugarcane and sugar production.

This partnership will see the establishment of six sugar mills across Niger State, with four of them strategically located between Shiroro and Minna. The project covers a vast expanse of land, totaling 148,000 hectares, dedicated to the cultivation of sugarcane and other related activities.

With 110,000 out-growers set to benefit, the sugar project will empower farmers with both employment and access to modern farming techniques.

The production chain also promises more than just sugar. By-products such as ethanol, power, and cattle feed will also be developed, creating multiple streams of income and sustainable outputs for the state.

This diversification is crucial in reducing reliance on a single commodity and ensuring long-term economic stability.

Governor Bago, a seasoned farmer himself, has emphasized that this project aligns with his administration’s vision to make agriculture the bedrock of the state’s economy. The benefits to the people of Niger State go beyond just job creation.

Local farmers stand to gain substantial income, with each participant expected to earn between 5 and 6 million Naira annually. This potential revenue will not only uplift individual households, but also contribute significantly to the state’s overall GDP.

Furthermore, with the harnessing of water from the Shiroro dam for irrigation, the state can ensure that the sugar mills operate year-round, irrespective of seasonal changes.

Another noteworthy development is Niger State’s collaboration with the Turkish firm, Direkci Group, for the off-take of soya beans. The Memorandum of Understanding, valued at $2 billion over a decade, promises to revolutionize soya bean farming in the state.

The Turkish company will off-take 500,000 tonnes of soya beans annually, ensuring that local farmers have a ready market for their produce.

This agreement guarantees not just off-take but also direct support for farmers in the form of seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. The project will cover 30,000 hectares of land in Paikoro Local Government Area, with irrigation systems in place to ensure optimal yield.

Beyond soya beans, Direkci Group is also investing in a 100,000-hectare greenhouse project, which will focus on the production of high-demand fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. The greenhouse project will include cold chain facilities, ensuring that produce is preserved and transported efficiently, meeting both local and international demand.

With an annual output of 160,000 tonnes, this initiative has the potential to make Niger State a leading supplier of vegetables in Nigeria and beyond. Additionally, the Turkish firm will establish a poultry facility capable of producing 2.5 million chickens, alongside egg and feed mills. This project will further diversify Niger State’s agricultural outputs and contribute to the protein needs of the population, thus addressing food security concerns.

In furtherance, the green initiative is central to Governor Bago’s long-term vision for Niger State, focusing not only on production but also on the broader economic implications. The development of agriculture on this scale will reduce unemployment, increase household income, and promote community growth.

Furthermore, by producing more ethanol and other by-products, the initiative will help reduce pressure on foreign exchange, as less sugar and ethanol will need to be imported into the country. Significantly, the economic benefits of the Niger State Green Initiative Agency’s activities will ripple across various sectors of the state’s economy, from agriculture to energy and manufacturing.

However, the green initiative is not limited to agriculture. The Niger State Government is also investing in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) and solar renewable energy projects. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) involves converting waste that would normally end up in landfills into power and other usable commodities like biodiesel, hydrogen, and fertilizer.

Infinitum Energy Group (iEg), a renewable energy development company with global reach, has already signified interest in partnering with the Niger State Government to develop the WtE project. This initiative promises to create sustainable energy solutions, positioning the state as a leader in waste management and renewable energy.

Additionally, Governor Bago’s administration is nurturing the development of a carbon market in Niger State. Mechanisms have been established to implement key carbon market requirements, such as institutionalizing regulatory frameworks, developing a carbon access strategy, and setting up governance structures.

With the support of FutureCamp, an international firm specializing in carbon markets, the state is now poised to formalize bilateral carbon market Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements for emission reductions trading. This strategic investment in renewable energy and environmental sustainability underscores the government’s determination to diversify its economy beyond traditional agriculture.

As Niger State begins to implement these transformative projects, the outlook for its economic future looks promising. The partnership with international investors, such as Direkci Group, and the involvement of experienced local companies, highlights the governor’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments.

By prioritizing agriculture, Niger State is not only ensuring food security but also laying the groundwork for a diversified and resilient economy. Governor Bago’s “green” vision for Niger State, embodied in the Green Initiative Agency, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the state’s economic trajectory.

The agency is not merely about agricultural output—it represents a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. By empowering local farmers, attracting foreign investments, and implementing modern farming technologies, Niger State is poised to become an emblem of agricultural excellence in Nigeria.

From every prism one looks at it, the Niger State Green Initiative is a bold and forward-thinking project. It demonstrates the Farmer Governor’s deep understanding of the state’s agricultural potential and his commitment to transforming that potential into real economic gains.

Through this initiative, Niger State is taking a giant leap toward becoming a major agricultural powerhouse, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and setting a new standard for agricultural development in Nigeria.

Aliyu Umar Aliyu was the Head, Media Sub-Committee of the Maiden Niger State Green Economic Summit. Also the spokesperson of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, Aliyu can be reached via: [email protected]