By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reviewed the outgoing year 2025, describing it as a perio...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reviewed the outgoing year 2025, describing it as a period of mixed feelings marked by notable achievements and unfortunate incidents.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Farmer Governor said his administration remained committed to driving development and improving the quality of life of the people of the state.
Reflecting on the progress recorded in 2025 across critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, the economy, and security, Governor Bago said appreciable strides had been made toward the realisation of the New Niger Agenda.
He noted that significant progress was achieved through sustained efforts, particularly in the construction of urban and rural roads across the state. He added that ongoing projects in the 25 local government areas were constantly monitored and evaluated to ensure quality delivery and timely completion.
Governor Bago stated that the administration made steady and meaningful progress in its determination to reposition agriculture as the foundation of the state’s economic revival. He disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with Niger Foods, signed a ₦1.8 trillion paddy rice production agreement with the Dangote Group.
“We intend to increase seedling and paddy rice production from 1.5 million to 10 million metric tonnes by 2030. In furtherance of this goal, we have also signed another agreement with the Africa Rice Center in Côte d’Ivoire to support the state,” he said.
The governor further revealed that the state government entered into a ₦500 billion agreement to supply food to the Lagos State Government.
According to him, healthcare facilities across the state are being upgraded alongside the revamping of schools. He disclosed that over 20 Level 2 primary healthcare centres had been commissioned, 40 were near completion, while another 40 were expected to be delivered within the year.
He added that the government initiated the State Schools Revamp Initiative, under which 200 primary schools were renovated, alongside the recruitment of teachers and other categories of civil servants.
Governor Bago also noted that 2025 witnessed the successful conduct of local government elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging victorious. He highlighted that Niger State made history as the only state where women emerged as vice chairpersons in all 25 local government areas.
While acknowledging the security challenges recorded during the year, particularly the abduction of Papiri schoolchildren who were later reunited with their parents unharmed, the governor also expressed concern over banditry and kidnapping in parts of the state.
He said the government continued to provide logistical support to security agencies and other stakeholders to curb criminal activities. He further disclosed that, in collaboration with the Federal Government, the state successfully trained its first batch of forest guards as part of efforts to combat insecurity.
Speaking on the 2025 Mokwa flood disaster, which claimed lives and displaced hundreds of residents, Governor Bago described the incident as devastating. He said although the disaster was a natural occurrence, the government was taking proactive steps to prevent a recurrence.
He appreciated the Federal and State Governments, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations, and philanthropists for their support during the difficult period.
The governor also expressed sadness over the petrol tanker explosions at Diko, Agaie, and Essa, which claimed several lives. He stressed that such tragedies could have been avoided if citizens prioritised safety rather than engaging in the illegal scooping of fuel.
Governor Bago thanked the people of Niger State for their support throughout 2025, noting that both the government and citizens had made tangible progress in their collective pursuit of a New Niger.
He urged residents to sustain their support and show continued understanding as his administration remains committed to delivering good, efficient, and effective governance in 2026.
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