Gov Bago Declares at Taraba Investment Summit, Nigeria Has No Business in Poverty

At the Taraba International Investment Summit held on Wednesday in Jalingo, Niger State Governor Umar Bago declared that Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources hold the key to ending poverty. Speaking at the Taraba State Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House, Governor Bago lamented that despite the abundance of arable land, the country continues to grapple with economic hardship.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant water resources remain largely untapped. “People in Europe can barely farm for three months in a year, but we can farm 24/7, 365 days a year. It means we have no business in poverty,” Bago said. He reiterated that agricultural production is feasible all year round, making it a sustainable solution for national development.

Governor Bago Call for Federal and Private Sector Collaboration

Governor Bago appealed to the Federal Government and private investors to harness the nation’s agricultural potential. According to him, agriculture should not only be a food security strategy but also a robust economic engine capable of lifting millions out of poverty. “All the factors of production are inherent here in Taraba State,” he stated, referencing industrialist Aliko Dangote’s earlier speech highlighting the region’s resources.

He further noted that coordinated efforts by both public and private stakeholders were essential to drive innovation, mechanization, and scale in agricultural practices. “We need to invest in the assets, the machinery, and the enabling environment that will make agriculture thrive,” he added.

Sub-National Governments Committed to Development

Highlighting the role of state governments in driving development, Governor Bago reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to support initiatives that spur growth at the sub-national level. Conveying a message from NGF Chairman Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Bago assured Taraba’s leadership of the collective will to foster prosperity across the federation.

“We are all in this together. Development in Taraba is development in Nigeria,” Bago said. He emphasized unity among state governors to deploy policies and resources toward national goals, especially in sectors like agriculture that impact livelihoods directly.

Turning Construction Machinery into Farming Tools

As part of his recommendations, Governor Bago proposed an innovative partnership between state governments and major construction firms to convert heavy machinery into tools for land cultivation. According to him, this will enable mass agricultural production and encourage youth participation in farming.

“As a farmer governor, I want to see the state government partner with big companies that are doing construction. Let them use those bulldozers and heavy machinery to cultivate land and let people come and farm,” Bago said. This, he believes, will not only maximize available resources but also bring immediate benefits to local communities.

Assurance to Host Communities on Land Use

Amid concerns over potential land exploitation and displacement, Governor Bago offered reassurances to the people of Taraba State. He emphasized that agricultural investments, whether local or foreign, are intended to empower communities, not alienate them.

“To the people of Taraba State, nobody is coming to invest in agriculture to take your land. Any investment brought in is meant for your people,” he stressed. Bago urged residents to embrace partnerships that enhance agricultural productivity, promising inclusive and community-centered development.

Governor Bago’s speech drew widespread applause at the summit, reigniting conversations on agriculture as Nigeria’s most viable tool for economic transformation.