Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has reiterated that embracing a green economy in the state will boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

Governor Umaru Bago stated this during the technical session of the first Niger State Green Economy Summit held in Minna, the state capital.

While explaining the advantages of tree planting considering the land mass and arable land in the state, he said harnessing a green economy will move the state from federal allocation dependence to State IGR.

He further stated that a green economy would facilitate the use of renewable energy thereby reducing over-dependence on the national grid, promote agriculture and increase employment opportunities for youths in the State.

The Governor who urged Nigerlites to key into his administration’s vision for sustainable economic growth through a green economy, assured that the state government will provide an enabling environment for youths to understand the equation for self-reliance and sustainable development.

He disclosed that plans are underway to create farm cities using renewable properties, adding that youths will be gainfully employed in the construction of farmhouses.

To achieve his initiative of cultivating 10,000 hectares in each of the 25 local government areas, Governor Umaru Bago said the state will procure hardware that would prepare the land.

He expressed concern that 82% of people are going through multidimensional poverty in education, health, security, portable drinking water and sanitation

According to the Governor, “It is time for all hands to be on deck to change the narratives. We don’t have reason to be poor. We are agrarian and we are very proud of it”.

He said the summit would be an annual event to make the state an agricultural hub.

The technical session featured presentations, panel discussion, questions and answers segments.

Bologi Ibrahim

Chief Press Secretary

to the Governor of Niger State