By Ebriku John Friday
In a bid to guarantee food security, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has said residents farming on government lands in the state won’t be evicted.
Bago spoke on Friday while inspecting government lands along Mokwa road, which were either uncultivated or abandoned.
The governor said his administration is committed to executing the food security agenda with determination.
Bago outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at maximizing agricultural potential in north-central state, saying all government-owned lands must be utilised for farming.
He said people farming on government lands will not face eviction, instead, they will receive additional support.
“All government lands will be cultivated,” Bago said.
“Individuals farming on government lands will not be evicted. Instead, the government will provide additional support. For instance, if you are farming on one hectare of land, the government will allocate 10 hectares for you.
“The government will provide seedlings and fertilizers for FREE.
“The condition for implementing all of the above is that the government will buy all the farm produce from the farmers (buyback policy). Niger is getting ready to feed the nation.”
With these measures in place, Bago said Niger is poised to emerge as a key player in the nation’s quest for food sufficiency.
The governor said the significant plans are geared towards achieving sustainable agricultural development.
