By Etsu Umar
Since his assumption of office as Executive Governor of Niger State in 2023, Niger State under the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has witnessed a renewed commitment towards sustainable development, improved public service, economic transformation, and strategic investments across critical sectors.
The administration’s vision of building a New Niger is anchored on improving the living standards of Nigerlites through massive infrastructural development, modern healthcare delivery, agricultural mechanization, youth empowerment, security enhancement, educational development, environmental sustainability, and investment promotion.
Within a short period, Farmer Governor Umar Bago has initiated and completed several landmark projects that directly impacted communities across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.
Understanding that Healthcare remains one of the strongest pillars of human capital development and wealth creation, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has prioritized accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare through investment through upgrading of over 70 Primary Healthcare Centres primary and specialist hospitals. He has also strenthen the manpower in the sector through massive recruitment of doctors, pharmacists,bl nurses, midwives. The upgraded healthcare facilities have also been equipped with modern tools to fast track healthcare delivery to the residents in the state.
Worthy of mentioning under the expansion of Primary Healthcare Infrastructure is the upgrading of PHCs in Limawa a,b Chanchaga Local Government Area; Umaru Majigi B, Bida Local Government Area, Tudun Wada South, Chanchaga Local Government Area,; Maitumbi FM, Bosso Local Government Area; Soje B, Chanchaga Local Government Area and Gbadafu, Gbako Local Government Area.
Others are located in Lefu, Gurara Local Government Area; Kataeregi, Katcha Local Government Area; Tudun Wada Muazu Commercial, Kontagora Local Government Area; Kawo, Kontagora Local Government Area;, Duma, Lapai Local Government Area; Tunga Malam, Paikoro Local Government Area; Rafin Kuka, Paikoro Local Government Area and Rafin Kuka, Shiroro Local Government Area.
Also upgraded and equipped are Primary Healthcare Centres at Second Gate, Suleja Local Government Area and Kumbashi, Mariga Local Government Area
The primary healthcare facilities upgraded to Level II Primary Healthcare Centres include those at Unguwan Daji, Tunga (Peter Sarki Road), Kontagora MCC, Kawo, Kontagora; Maito, Wushishi; Old Airport, Chanchaga; Garatu, Bosso; Kataeregi, Katcha; Bida; Gbadafu, Gbako; Doko, Lavun; Kpakungu, Chanchaga and Maitumbi FM, Bosso.
The administration has also strengthened partnership with development partners, including the World Bank, to further expand healthcare infrastructure across the State, with more primary healthcare hospitals expected to be upgraded before the end of 2026.
It is important to also reiterate that the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ‘s administration has invested heavily in Strengthening manpower in the health sector to ensure easy and quick access to healthcare services. The recruitment of over 2,000 healthcare workers, including 20 visiting consultants, to improve healthcare delivery is worthy of commendation.
Additionally, the state has also signed a bond and placed 66 medical students on the Niger State Government payroll to encourage medical training and future manpower development in the health sector.
In addressing the housing challenge faced by doctors in the state, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has renovated and furnished doctors’ Quarters at the Minna General Hospital. This is in addition to the Upgrading and expansion of the Central Medical Store to improve medicine distribution and healthcare supply systems.
The ongoing renovation of General Hospitals across Niger State and expansion of Specialist Healthcare Services in the state is also a critical step taken by this government. For instance, the transformation of the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, into a modern healthcare facility capable of handling advanced medical procedures is a relief to residents in Niger State in terms of quick access to specialized healthcare services.
IBB Specialist Hospital has witnessed major remodeling and expansion, ranging from construction of additional medical facilities, provision of 60-bed porta cabins, establishment of a special Accident and Emergency Unit, establishment of special Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to development of Radio-Diagnostic Suite equipped with, Mammography equipment, MRI machine, CT Scan facilities, X-ray equipment, and Other modern diagnostic systems.
Obviously, the IBB Specialist Hospital currently provides advanced medical interventions, including neurosurgery involving brain and spine procedures, otal knee replacement surgery, Complex orthopedic procedures, Maxillofacial surgery, Burns and plastic surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery, Pediatric surgery, Urological procedures, Public Health Programmes and Disease Prevention, Provision of free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screening services.
Following the expansion and upgrading, IBB Specialist Hospital has had more than 22,000 persons screened, Over 300 persons treated through the screen-and-treat approach, 444,659 persons vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Strengthening of routine immunization programmes across Niger State to protect children against preventable diseases.
The administration has equally achieved the Construction and equipping of a modern Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Donation of motorcycles to support medical outreach programmes in rural communities, distribution of sanitation trucks across all 25 Local Government Areas, Strengthening of the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme, providing affordable healthcare access and subsidies for vulnerable citizens, civil servants, and retirees.
The scheme has increased enrolments to more than 163, 284 beneficiaries. The Provision of regular financial assistance to hospitals and patients requiring referrals within and outside Nigeria, including support for complex procedures such as kidney transplant is another gesture residents have enjoyed from the governor Bago’s administration.
Similarly , the Conversion of the former Shiroro Hotel into the IBB University Teaching Hospital is a strategic project aimed at supporting medical education, research, healthcare tourism, and the development of the College of Medicine of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
On employment, Farmer Governor Umar Mohammed Bago has created over 10,000 jobs and recruited over 6,000 graduates into the State Civil Service. Also, over 4,000 higher institution staff employed while paying over N7 billion to pensioners and retirees—restoring hope and improving lives across Niger State.
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE, URBAN RENEWAL, TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
The administration of His Excellency, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has identified infrastructure development as a major pathway to economic growth, improved mobility, and sustainable development.
Through strategic investments in road construction, rehabilitation, urban renewal, and transportation development, the government is opening new economic corridors, reducing travel difficulties, improving security, and connecting communities across Niger State.
Major Road Construction and Rehabilitation Projects
- Construction of the 5km Munya Township Road to improve connectivity and stimulate local economic activities.
- Construction and rehabilitation of roads across Bosso Local Government Area.
- Construction of A.B. Gamji Road.
- Construction of Spring Drive Road.
- Development of MTP 90 Blue and Red Streets.
- Construction of Etsu Yusuf Yahaya Road
- Construction of Gamji Link Road.
- Construction of Dije Bala Street.
- Development of Godiya Special Roads A and B.
- Construction of Dahiru Bauchi Road.
- Construction of the 11km Chanchaga–City Gate Dual Carriageway.
- Construction and rehabilitation of:
83• Abu Kuta Street Minna.
84• Jos Street Minna.
85• Daura Street Minna.
86• Kazaure Street Minna.
87• Ilorin Street Minna.
88• Zaria Street Minna.
89• Suleja Street Minna.
90• London Street Road Minna.
91• Gado Nasko Street to Zarumai Estate Road Minna. - Construction of 16km Bida Township Roads Phase I.
- Construction and rehabilitation of:
94.Alhaji Dantani Street.
- Nmakolo/Abubakar Ibrahim Street Minna.
- Jiya Vatsa Road.
- Colonel Sani Bello Road.
97.Kutiriko Area Roads.
98.Opposite Kure Market to Fadikpe Road. - Standard Hospital Road.
100.Office of the Special Advisers Road. - Ahmadu Bello Way.
102.Aliyu Makama Road. - Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road.
104.Dr. Mustapha Abdulsalam Road. - James Gara/Deputy Governor’s Road.
106.National Prison Road.
TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN RENEWAL
107 Approval of the construction of 100km of roads with drainage systems and solar lighting within Minna metropolis.
- Approval of the construction of 50km roads with drainage and solar lighting in Bida, Kontagora, and Suleja townships.
- Urban renewal of major roads in Minna through Phase One of the city transformation programme, which includes the development of major road networks and proposed flyover projects.
- Renovation and transformation of Minna into a modern capital city through ongoing urban development projects.
- Renovation of Government House, Minna, to improve administrative efficiency and public service delivery.
- Reconstruction of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Office to provide a better working environment for civil servants.
STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
- Ongoing construction of the Minna–Bida Road Project to improve movement of people, goods, and agricultural products.
- Completion and flag-off of the 49km Paiko–Lapai Road Project to improve transportation between communities and enhance agricultural trade.
- Special intervention on the 90km Agwara–Borgu Road Project.
- Special intervention on the 41km Kakaki–Minna Road Project.
- Ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the 8.7km Kontagora Eastern Bypass (Ring Road), Lot 5A.
- Ground-breaking ceremony for the 14km Kontagora Eastern Bypass (Ring Road), Lot 5B.
- Ground-breaking ceremony for the Kontagora–Rijau Road Project (90km), Lots 28A, 28B, and 28C.
- Ongoing construction of the 44km Bida Ring Road, designed to reduce congestion in Bida town by diverting heavy-duty vehicles away from densely populated areas.
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
- Distribution of 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across Minna, Suleja, and Bida. The buses are designed to support: This intervention is aimed at reducing transportation challenges and improving productivity.
- Students travelling to schools.
123.Civil servants commuting to work.
124.Affordable transportation for citizens.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with China Railway Corporation for possible railway connectivity that will link Minna with other major towns and improve agricultural evacuation and economic activities. AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION AND FOOD SECURITY
As a Farmer Governor, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago has placed agriculture at the centre of Niger State’s economic transformation agenda.
The administration believes that agricultural modernization, mechanization, and food production are essential for economic growth, employment creation, and poverty reduction. The major Agricultural Achievements under the Bago’s administration include:
- Distribution of fertilizers to farmers across Niger State.
- Procurement of 1,000 tractors and over 5,000 agricultural inputs and machinery to support mechanized farming.
- Securing a $650 million financing arrangement with John Deere for agricultural mechanization, including:
- 600 high-capacity tractors ranging from 100 to 430 horsepower.
130.200 high-capacity harvesters.
131.200 bulldozers.
132.200 excavators.
These agricultural machines were commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on March 11, 2024.
- Signing of the Produce-for-Lagos Initiative, aimed at producing food commodities including Paddy rice, tubers, Legumes, and grains.
The initiative positions Niger State as a major food supplier while creating an organized market relationship with Lagos State. - Procurement of more than 120 trucks of assorted grains to support citizens and complement federal government food intervention programmes.
- Agreement with CBM Development Partners to improve irrigation development across 50,000 hectares of agricultural land in Niger State.
- Establishment of commodity off-take agreements between Niger Food Security and Logistics Company, state-based companies, and Tropical General Investment.
- Partnership with Bayer AG to promote sustainable agriculture in Niger State.
- Signing of an MoU with NASENI (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure) to strengthen agricultural technology.
- Signing of the Green Economy Development Agreement with NNPC to support sustainable development. AVIATION AND ECONOMIC CONNECTIVITY
- Remodeling of Minna Airport and renaming it Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport.
The domestic wing of the airport, which had suffered years of neglect, was renovated, while plans continue for the development of the Hajj Terminal and international facilities. The airport was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside agricultural mechanization equipment.
141.Niger state traffic management agency (NITMA)
Before the arrival of Bago as Niger state governor we have five hundred (500) members of NITMA and they are casual, their salary is fifteen (15,000) Monthly, when Bago come on board he permanent them as permanent and pensionable, their salary is eightee thousand (80,000) naira monthly, he also added another five hundred (500) we now have one thousand (1,000) NITMA in niger state.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
The Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago administration recognizes that sustainable development must be people-centred. Therefore, deliberate efforts have been made to support workers, businesses, students, vulnerable groups, and young entrepreneurs through various empowerment and welfare programmes.
Major Economic and Social Intervention Programmes include:
- Payment of ₦20,000 wage bonus to civil servants and political office holders to cushion the effects of economic challenges.
- Payment of substantial parts of the salary backlog owed to workers in the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State.
- Payment of ₦30 million to the National Examinations Council (NECO) to support students participating in examinations.
- Payment of ₦206 million WAEC backlog to clear outstanding examination obligations.
- Approval of over ₦500 million bursary support for Niger State students studying within Nigeria and abroad.
- Establishment of the BagoCares SME Empowerment Programme, through which over 8,000 small businesses received ₦100,000 each to support business recovery and reduce the impact of economic hardship.
- Donation of ₦10 million to graduates of the Scientific Equipment Development Initiative (SEDI) to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Establishment of Ramadan feeding centres across Niger State to support vulnerable citizens during the holy month.
- Provision of support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening social protection.
EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH
Education remains a key priority of the New Niger Development Agenda, with emphasis on expanding access, improving learning environments, and strengthening research and innovation. The Major Education Achievements under Bago led administration include:
- Establishment of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna (AKUM) to address challenges in tertiary education and provide modern research facilities.
- Development of plans for state-of-the-art research centres to promote innovation, academic excellence, and knowledge development.
- Strengthening of medical education through the development of the IBB University Teaching Hospital to support the College of Medicine of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
- Support for Niger State students through bursary interventions and educational assistance programmes.
SECURITY AND PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT
The administration also understands that development can only thrive in a secure environment. Therefore, security remains a major priority. The achievements under security include:
- Commissioning of the new Chanchaga Nigeria Police Station.
- Procurement of bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo vehicles to strengthen security operations and protect farmers, communities, and citizens.
- Donation of 20 operational Hilux vehicles to security agencies in Niger State to improve rapid response and security coordination.
- Strengthening of security architecture across the state to support agricultural activities and protect investments. ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND POWER IMPROVEMENT
- Launch of the “Light Up Niger 2024” electrification project aimed at improving electricity access across the state.
- Implementation of measures to strengthen the power network through the Niger State Rural Electricity Board.
- Promotion of renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives under the Green Economy Programme.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, INVESTMENT AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
The administration has continued to attract strategic partnerships aimed at transforming Niger State into an investment destination. The major Investment and Partnership Achievements include:
- Establishment of the foundation for an International Gold Market to promote mineral resources development.
166 Signing of bilateral partnerships with Argentina focusing on Solid mineral exploration, Agro-industrial development, Educational cooperation.
However , the partnership with Ukraine focuses on agricultural development, Establishment of a modern Oncology Centre in Niger State. Other areas are :
- Engagement with international investors and development partners to accelerate economic growth.
- PJs Group unveiled a $25 million expansion strategy for Niger State, including:
Shea butter extraction factory, Soya oil production, Rice bran oil production. - Signing of an agreement with the Alternative Bank on sustainable development initiatives in Niger State.
- Signing of framework agreements to strengthen commodity production, processing, and marketing.
CLIMATE CHANGE, GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
The Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago administration has positioned Niger State as a leading state in sustainable agriculture and climate action. The Major Climate and Green Economy Achievements
- Development and presentation of the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to the global community at COP28, United Arab Emirates.
- Engagement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) to attract climate financing.
- Meeting with Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al-Maktoum, a member of the Dubai Royal Family, to explore climate change investment opportunities.
- Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices through global partnerships.
- Integration of climate resilience strategies into the state development agenda.
GOVERNANCE, ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
- Saved the state approximately ₦10 billion through improved financial management and blockage of revenue leakages.
- Renovation of Government House, Minna.
- Reconstruction of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to improve administrative efficiency.
- Revitalization of the Three Arms Zone Project, designed to provide a modern administrative environment for the three arms of government.
- Membership of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, contributing to national labour discussions.
- Recognition with the Leadership Group Governor of the Year Award (2023).
SPORTS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
- Remodelling of the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, to meet NPFL standards.
The project will enable Niger Tornadoes football club and sports enthusiasts to enjoy quality facilities within Niger State instead of travelling outside the state.
NGSIRS: Driving Revenue Growth and Accountability in Niger State
The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has become one of the state’s most reform-oriented institutions. Under the leadership of Mohammed Madami Etsu, the Service has remained focused on improving revenue generation, strengthening transparency, and promoting accountability in tax administration.
Achievements So Far.
Through innovation and effective reforms, NGSIRS has:
- Increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
- Reduced revenue leakages and improved financial accountability.
- Expanded the tax net while promoting fairness and compliance.
- Digitized revenue collection processes to minimize fraud and human interference.
- Enhanced taxpayer education and stakeholder engagement.
- Improved staff capacity through training and professional development.
- Supported a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and economic growth.
These efforts have contributed to a more transparent and efficient revenue system, providing sustainable resources for infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and other essential public services.
The progress recorded by NGSIRS demonstrates the importance of strong leadership, dedication, and continuous reform. We encourage all Nigerlites to support the Service in its mission to build a stronger revenue base for the state. Every legitimate tax payment contributes to a more prosperous and developed Niger State.
In conclusion, it is important to reiterate that the achievements recorded under the leadership of His Excellency, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represent a deliberate effort to reposition Niger State through infrastructure renewal, healthcare transformation, agricultural revolution, economic empowerment, education development, security improvement, and sustainable environmental management.
From the construction of roads and healthcare facilities to agricultural mechanization, investment attraction, youth empowerment, and institutional reforms, the administration continues to pursue the vision of a prosperous and modern Niger State.
The New Niger Development Agenda reflects a commitment to building a state where citizens have improved access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, food security, reliable infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth.
As he continues to execute impactful projects across the 25 Local Government Areas, the people of Niger State remain hopeful that the foundation being laid today will create lasting prosperity for future generations.
These Achievements were compiled by the Office of the Director General, Ethics, Values, Research and Documentation.
Office of the Director General, Ethics, Values Research and Documentation.
etsuumarsulesarki@gmail.com
July 12,2026