By Awwal Umar Kontagora Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on African nations to harness the contin...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on African nations to harness the continent’s vast agricultural potential as a means to significantly reduce dependence on food importation.
The farmer-governor made the call during a meeting with officials of Arab Contractors in Cairo, Egypt, following the signing of an agreement focused on boosting agricultural production.
Expressing concern over Africa’s heavy reliance on imported food, Bago noted that the continent spends over $55 billion annually on the importation of agricultural commodities such as maize, wheat, rice, and edible oils.
He emphasized that Niger State alone possesses the capacity to become a major food producer, with over 1,850 km of riverfront suitable for irrigation, 5 million hectares of arable land, and a large youthful population ready to drive agricultural transformation. He stated that the state could produce up to 50 million tons of food annually if its full potential is harnessed.
In response, the Global Chairman of Arab Contractors, Ahmed Moustafa El Assar, commended Governor Bago’s vision and pledged to visit Niger State in May 2025. He will be accompanied by officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources to explore areas of collaboration.
El Assar reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening food security both within its borders and in Nigeria, describing the partnership as a step toward sustainable agricultural development in Africa.
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