Gov Bago urges African Leaders to tap agricultural potential, secures partnership with Arab contractors

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has called on African leaders to harness the continent’s vast agricultural potential as a strategic move to reduce the heavy reliance on food importation.

Governor Bago made the appeal during a meeting with top officials of Arab Contractors in Cairo, Egypt, shortly after signing a key agricultural production agreement with the renowned Egyptian firm.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor lamented that Africa currently spends a staggering $55 billion annually on food imports, including staple products such as maize, wheat, oils, and rice.

He emphasized that with abundant resources, Africa has no reason to depend so heavily on foreign food supplies. “Niger State alone boasts 5 million hectares of arable land and over 1,850 km of riverfront ideal for irrigation farming. With our youthful population, we are capable of producing up to 50 million tons of food annually,” Bago stated.

In response, the Global Chairman of Arab Contractors, Ahmed Moustafa El Assar, assured the governor of the company’s readiness to support Nigeria’s food production goals. He also announced that a high-level Egyptian delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Irrigation Development, will visit Niger State in May 2025 to explore agricultural opportunities.

El Assar reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening food security in partnership with Nigeria and other African nations.