Governor Umar Mohammed Bago: Year of Impactful Leadership in Niger State

Governor Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State has achieved significant milestones across key sectors since assuming office in May 2023. His administration has focused on transforming agriculture, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, leaving a positive imprint on the state’s development.

Agriculture

Under Governor Bago’s leadership, Niger State has prioritized agricultural mechanization and sustainability. The state procured over 1,000 tractors to enhance food production and ensure food security. This has significantly boosted food security and empowered local farmers, attracting over $1 billion in agricultural investments to the state

Additionally, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) project reclaimed 100 hectares of land, distributed 10 tractors, and drilled 100 boreholes to support agricultural development and environmental restoration. The project also empowered 200 youth and women in plant nursery and seedling production, offering them starter kits and sustainable market access .

Education

The governor has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education. His administration allocated nearly 50% of the 2025 budget to education and healthcare. Initiatives include the rehabilitation of 534 schools and equipping technical schools with a budget of ₦1.5 billion. Furthermore, a partnership with the World Bank’s AGILE program aims to improve access to education for adolescent girls.

In collaboration with institutions like FUT Minna, the government has also recently donated N100 million to support educational development.These efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to elevate educational standards across Niger State .

Healthcare

Healthcare has seen a boost with the approval and commencement of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL) Teaching Hospital project. This facility aims to enhance tertiary medical services and healthcare training. Additionally, measures to improve primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state have been initiated .

Youth Empowerment

Governor Bago’s administration has introduced programs targeting youth development. Through ACRESAL, 100 young people were trained in establishing nurseries, and another 100 women received support for seedling production. These initiatives not only provide employment but also foster sustainable agricultural practices. The administration also established a digital portal to streamline youth participation in government-sponsored projects .

Infrastructure and Security

The governor has overseen major infrastructure upgrades, including road expansions and the construction of flyovers in Minna. Notable reconstruction and expansion of roads include the Minna Township Roads and the six-lane Chanchaga Expressway. These projects have enhanced connectivity within the state and boosted economic activities. His administration also introduced a green economy initiative, promoting environmental sustainability in urban renewal projects.

Investments in security include the procurement of 200 patrol vehicles to combat crime, ensuring a safer environment for economic and social activities .

Governor Bago’s holistic approach to governance, focusing on economic empowerment, infrastructure, and social services, has set Niger State on a trajectory of sustained growth and development, making the State a model of progress in the North-Central region of Nigeria.