Nigeria Must End Poverty Now – Gov Bago Issues Stark Warning

The Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, emphasized that Nigeria’s rich soil, fertile lands, and favorable climate are more than sufficient to sustain the nation. According to Governor Bago, with such abundant natural resources, poverty should not be a problem in Nigeria.

He made these remarks on Wednesday during the Taraba International Investment Summit held at the Taraba State Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.

Governor Bago highlighted that states like Taraba, blessed with fertile lands and a conducive environment for agriculture, have the capacity to feed the entire country.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor pointed out the irony that Europe, despite its less favorable weather and less fertile soil compared to Nigeria, earns billions from agriculture, while Nigeria continues to struggle with poverty despite its vast agricultural potential.

“All the production factors are present here in Taraba State, as noted in Aliko Dangote’s speech — land, water, sunlight, and people,” he said.

He further explained, “In Europe, farming is limited to about three months a year, but here, we can farm all year round, 365 days. This means Nigeria has no excuse to tolerate poverty.”

Governor Bago urged the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas to fully utilize the state’s natural resources and agricultural capabilities to drive development.

He also called on the state government to collaborate with major construction companies to deploy machinery that would facilitate large-scale land cultivation and boost agricultural output.

“Nobody investing in agriculture here aims to dispossess local people of their land. Both local and international investors come to benefit the community,” he added.

Finally, Governor Bago appealed to the Federal Government and private sector stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s agricultural potential to eliminate poverty, stressing that with the ability to farm throughout the year, the country should have no reason to suffer economic hardship.