Gov. Bago urges African Leaders to harness Agricultural potential, signs Food Production Deal with Egypt’s Arab Contractors

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has called on African leaders to reduce dependence on food importation by maximizing the continent’s vast agricultural potential.

The governor made this statement during a meeting with top officials of Arab Contractors in Cairo, Egypt, shortly after finalizing an agricultural production agreement with the renowned Egyptian construction and development company.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago expressed concern over Africa’s growing reliance on imported food items, noting that the continent spends a staggering $55 billion annually on importing basic food commodities such as maize, rice, wheat, and cooking oil.

He emphasized that Niger State is well-positioned to lead Africa’s food revolution, boasting abundant land and water resources.
“Niger State has over 1,850 kilometers of riverfront land suitable for irrigation, a youthful population, and 5 million hectares of arable land. These can produce up to 50 million tons of food,” the governor said.

Responding to Governor Bago’s commitment to agricultural transformation, the global Chairman of Arab Contractors, Ahmed Moustafa El Assar, pledged support for the partnership. He confirmed plans to visit Niger State in May 2025 alongside senior officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Irrigation Development.

El Assar assured that the Egyptian government is fully committed to supporting Nigeria and strengthening food security collaboration between both countries.