By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
Several countries have transformed their economies through agriculture-driven policies. Brazil, China, the US, Malaysia, and Israel have all achieved significant growth and development through strategic investments in agriculture. Governor Umar Bago and Governor Peter Mbah are drawing inspiration from these examples to drive agricultural development in Niger State and Enugu State.
The agricultural revolution led by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Umar Bago of Niger State is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s food security. The two governors are making waves in the agricultural sector, transforming their states into industrial hubs for Nigeria and Africa. Their commitment to agriculture has sparked hope for a brighter future in food security and economic growth. With their innovative approaches and private sector experience, the governors are poised to make a significant impact on the nation’s agricultural landscape.
The agricultural revolution led by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Umar Bago of Niger State is a significant step towards achieving food security and economic growth in Nigeria. The initiatives implemented by the governors have the potential to transform the agricultural sector and create new opportunities for farmers and investors. As the states continue to drive their agricultural agendas, it is essential to monitor progress, address challenges, and identify new opportunities for growth and development.
Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has been proactive in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector. By signing the Public Ranch Management Agency Bill into law, Enugu State has become a pioneer in modern ranching. This law provides a permanent solution to the nefarious activities of marauding herdsmen and empowers the people to own and establish modern ranches. The governor’s bold step is expected to boost the state’s agricultural potential, create employment opportunities, and increase state revenue.
The Public Ranch Management Agency Law is a groundbreaking legislation that will regulate and manage public ranches in Enugu State. The law establishes the Enugu State Public Ranch Management Agency, which will issue permits to private ranch owners and impound livestock found grazing in unauthorized areas. This law will not only promote modern ranching but also ensure that the state’s agricultural resources are utilized efficiently. By providing a framework for ranching, the law will attract investments and create new opportunities for farmers.
Governor Mbah’s administration has implemented various agricultural interventions, including the development of nearly 200,000 hectares of land for agricultural purposes. The state has also leased 15,000 hectares to Ugwu Anama Farms Enugu SPV Limited for crop cultivation and 2,000 hectares to Atlantico Farms and Agro Concepts Limited for crop production. These interventions are expected to increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, and boost the state’s economy.
The state has concluded arrangements for the takeover of the moribund Songhai Farms Heneke in Ezeagu LGA by Britednuel Agro Limited. This takeover is expected to revive the farm’s operations and create new opportunities for farmers in the state. The farm’s revival will not only increase agricultural productivity but also provide employment opportunities for the local population. By leveraging private sector expertise, the state is poised to unlock the full potential of its agricultural resources.
The Biotechnology Industrial Park under construction at Egede/Affa in Udi LGA is another significant project that will drive agricultural innovation in Enugu State. The park will provide a platform for research and development, enabling farmers to access new technologies and practices. By promoting biotechnology, the state is expected to increase crop yields, improve disease resistance, and enhance food security.
Governor Umar Bago’s administration has also made significant strides in agriculture. With a vision to leverage Niger State’s agricultural potential, the governor has established Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Limited to facilitate agricultural investments and transition farmers to mechanized farming. The governor’s private sector experience is expected to ensure efficient management of agricultural resources and attract investments.
The state has acquired 1,000 tractors and 700 more are on the way, along with over 1,000 handheld tillers to boost agricultural productivity. These equipment will enable farmers to cultivate and harvest their crops efficiently, reducing labor costs and increasing yields. By providing farmers with modern farm equipment, the state is promoting mechanized farming and increasing agricultural productivity.
Niger State has vast agricultural potential, with thousands of hectares of land suitable for farming. The state is well-positioned to become a major agricultural hub in Nigeria, leveraging its land resources and implementing modern farming practices. By promoting agricultural development, the state is expected to create employment opportunities, increase food security, and boost its economy.
The efforts of Governor Bago and Governor Mbah are in line with the vision of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank. Dr. Adesina’s leadership in promoting agricultural development in Africa has been instrumental in shaping the continent’s agricultural landscape. His experience as Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has also provided valuable insights into effective agricultural policies. The governors’ initiatives are expected to benefit from Dr. Adesina’s expertise and support.
Niger State has developed thousands of hectares of farmland into mechanized farm estates, focusing on high-demand crops such as rice, maize, soybeans, and sesame. The state has also established a Special Agro-Processing Zone at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna. The zone will promote value addition, create jobs, and enhance the overall profitability of the agriculture sector
Niger State has made significant strides in agricultural development, with thousands of hectares of farmland developed into mechanized farm estates. The state focuses on high-demand crops such as rice, maize, soybeans, and sesame, which are cultivated on a large scale. This approach not only boosts agricultural productivity but also ensures that the state’s farming activities are aligned with market demands. By leveraging its vast land resources and implementing modern farming practices, Niger State is well-positioned to become a major agricultural hub in Nigeria.
The administration in Niger State has prioritized women’s empowerment in agriculture, recognizing the critical role women play in the sector. Over 10,000 women have been trained and empowered to participate actively in the agricultural value chain. This initiative aims to promote gender equality in agriculture and contribute to the state’s economic growth. By providing women with the necessary skills and resources, the state is unlocking their potential and enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector.
The “Produce-for-Lagos” initiative is a groundbreaking agreement between Niger State and Lagos State. Under this arrangement, Niger State will supply food items such as rice, grains, and legumes to Lagos’ massive Food Logistics Hub in Epe. This partnership will ensure a steady market for Niger State’s farmers while strengthening inter-state collaboration. By leveraging the demand for food in Lagos, Niger State’s farmers will have a reliable outlet for their produce, which will boost their income and encourage further investment in agriculture.
The development of agricultural infrastructure is critical to the success of the agricultural revolution in Enugu and Niger States. The states are investing in roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to support farmers and enhance productivity. These investments will not only improve the efficiency of farming activities but also reduce post-harvest losses and increase the quality of produce. By building robust agricultural infrastructure, the states are creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive.
The agricultural initiatives in Enugu and Niger States are expected to have a significant impact on food security in Nigeria. By increasing agricultural productivity and improving the availability of food, the states are contributing to the nation’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. The initiatives will also help to reduce reliance on imported food, which will save foreign exchange and boost the local economy. As the states continue to drive their agricultural agendas, the prospects for improved food security look promising.
The involvement of the private sector is crucial to the success of the agricultural revolution in Enugu and Niger States. By partnering with private sector players, the states are leveraging their expertise, resources, and networks to drive agricultural development. Private sector participation will not only bring in new technologies and management practices but also provide access to markets and financing. This collaboration will help to create a vibrant agricultural sector that is attractive to investors.
Despite the progress made in Enugu and Niger States, there are still challenges to be addressed in the agricultural sector. Issues such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and climate change continue to pose significant risks to farmers. However, the states are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in agriculture, such as the growing demand for food and the increasing adoption of technology. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, the states can unlock the full potential of their agricultural sectors.
In conclusion, the agricultural revolution in Enugu and Niger States is a significant step towards achieving food security and economic growth in Nigeria. The initiatives implemented by the governors have the potential to transform the agricultural sector and create new opportunities for farmers and investors. As the states continue to drive their agricultural agendas, it is essential to monitor progress, address challenges, and identify new opportunities for growth and development. With effective implementation and support, the agricultural sector in Enugu and Niger States can become a major driver of economic growth and development.
Danaudi, Writes from Bauchi via danaudicomrade@gmail.com
