The Governor of Niger State, Honourable Umaru Bago, has said his state does not need to rely on the monthly allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The governor said his state is not poor but has an abundance of resources to take care of its citizens.
Bago made the statement while declaring open a stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, the state capital. He explained that with bodies of water and four hydroelectric dams located in the state, Niger ought not to be complaining of hunger but rather will serve as a food basket for Nigeria.
“Niger State Government doesn’t need the monthly FAAC allocation from the Federal Government because we are not poor and are producing, which is our secret.
“Many people have invested in Niger State for the next five years and we even had to defer a bilateral agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until next year since Nigeria cannot feed itself now,” he said.
The governor also revealed the state is planning to unveil a massive greenhouse project, which he says will employ one million people.
“Under the greenhouse project, the Niger State Government will employ one million youths, comprising males and females, which will assist in addressing the problem of unemployment as well as provide jobs to the teeming unemployed,” Bago said.
He further approved the release of the ₦20,000 wage award for disbursement to all categories of civil servants while approving another ₦2 billion as scholarship allowances to students of tertiary institutions across the state.
Also speaking at the event, on behalf of security chiefs, Niger State Commissioner of Police Shawulu Danmamman stated that security agencies in Niger State have been working round the clock to ensure peace for sustainable development and will not relent in that direction.
