By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
Nigeria’s economy was once heavily reliant on the northern agricultural sector, which accounted for a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Historically, the sector contributed an average of 57% of GDP between 1960 and 1969, and generated 64.5% of export earnings .
The north’s fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming, with crops like maize, cassava, and rice being major staples. However, over the years, the sector’s contribution to the economy has declined, and the country has become increasingly dependent on oil exports.
To revitalize the economy and reduce dependence on oil, it’s essential to bring back the northern agricultural sector to its former glory. This can be achieved by addressing the challenges facing the sector, such as poor land tenure systems, low irrigation farming, and limited access to markets.Investing in agricultural infrastructure, providing support to farmers, and promoting sustainable farming practices can help increase productivity and efficiency.
By doing so, Nigeria can tap into the sector’s potential, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and ensure food security. The northern governors, in particular, have a crucial role to play in driving this agenda forward and restoring the region’s status as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s courageous decision to invest in commercial agriculture has yielded impressive results. The state has reportedly realized over 600 billion naira from Agricultural Inputs in 2024, a significant achievement that underscores the potential of agricultural industrialization.
This accomplishment sends a strong message to other governors, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternative revenue streams. By investing in commercial agriculture, states can reduce their dependence on federal allocations and Value Added Tax (VAT). This approach can also contribute to regional development and economic growth.
The success of Governor Bago’s agricultural initiatives serves as a model for other northern governors to follow. By emulating his drive, they can help address the current security challenges in the region. Investing in commercial farming can provide employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity, and promote stability.
In my previous articles titled, “Bago’s drives: Ending Northern Insecurity through Agricultural Industrialization and Bago: Leveraging agriculture to prevent future protests” , Governor Bago’s approach to agricultural development is a proactive step towards preventing future protests and promoting peace in the region.
The northern governors should learn from Governor Bago’s experience and prioritize agricultural development. The ongoing tax reforms bill presents an opportunity to create a more favorable environment for agricultural industrialization in the northernregion. By supporting this initiative, the federal government can help unlock the region’s economic potential.
The northern region stands to benefit significantly from agricultural industrialization. As the country navigates the complexities of VAT and federal allocations, the region can assert its economic independence. Governor Bago’s achievements demonstrate that this goal is achievable through strategic investment in commercial agriculture.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented a proposed 2025 budget of over N1.5 trillion, tagged “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security”. This significant allocation is a 48.3% increase compared to the 2024 appropriation, with a substantial N1.3 trillion dedicated to capital expenditure . This is as a result of the huge economic advantage of Bago’s commercial farming in Niger State.
Notably, the budget prioritizes agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy, aiming to promote rapid socio-economic development and ensure long-term prosperity. This move is a clear indication of the Governor’s commitment to an agricultural revolution, which is expected to drive growth, create jobs, and enhance food security in the region.
Bago’s agricultural industrialization drive is a strategic approach to addressing the current security challenges facing Niger State and the country. By providing employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth, Bago aims to reduce poverty and idleness, which are key drivers of insecurity.
Tafawa-Balewa and Sarduna’s success in maintaining a viable and strong northern economy through agricultural industrialization serves as a shining example for northern governors to follow. Notably, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is emulating their strategies, making significant strides in agricultural development.
His efforts to revitalize the northern economy through agricultural industrialization align with the vision of Sardauna and Tafawa-Balewa. By following in their footsteps, Bago is poised to drive economic growth, enhance food security, create jobs, and promote stability in the region, cementing his legacy as a champion of northern development.
The importance of agricultural development cannot be overstated. It offers a sustainable solution to the region’s economic and security challenges. By investing in commercial farming, states can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and reduce their reliance on federal support. Governor Bago is poised to solidify Niger State’s position as a model for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Governor Bago’s success serves as a call to action for other northern governors. They must recognize the potential of agricultural industrialization and take concrete steps to develop this sector. By doing so, they can help drive economic growth, promote stability, and improve the lives of their citizens.
His achievements in agricultural development offer a beacon of hope for the northern region. His success demonstrates that with vision, determination, and strategic investment, states can unlock their economic potential and promote stability.
These initiatives are yielding positive results, as the state’s agricultural sector is being transformed into a hub for economic growth and job creation. This, in turn, is helping to reduce the appeal of criminal activities and promote peace and stability in the region.
As the country moves forward, it is essential that other governors and policymakers take note of Governor Bago’s accomplishments and work towards creating a more favorable environment for agricultural industrialization.
Danaudi, Public Affairs Analysts Writes From Bauchi Via [email protected]
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