Mohammed Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State, has renewed his call for the Federal Government to grant the state a 13 per cent derivation, citing the devastating impact of recurring floods caused by annual water releases from the Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru hydropower dams.
Bago made the appeal while receiving the management of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), led by its Governing Board Chairman, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, at the Government House in Minna.
The governor said the annual flooding has continued to destroy farmlands, displace communities and threaten livelihoods, insisting that the environmental and economic burden on the state justifies its demand for derivation.
He also urged the commission to prioritise addressing insecurity, communal conflicts and climate-related challenges confronting the North Central region.
According to him, sustainable solutions are needed to tackle recurring farmer-herder clashes and the growing effects of climate change across member states.
Bago proposed a meeting between governors in the North Central zone and the NCDC to develop a coordinated approach to addressing the region’s security and developmental concerns.
He noted that such engagement would help the commission align its interventions with the specific needs of member states.
The governor further called for increased investment in agriculture and education, describing both sectors as essential to sustainable development and economic growth.
He assured the commission of the Niger State Government’s support, including the provision of a liaison office and logistical assistance to facilitate its operations.
Earlier, Cyril Tsenyil, Managing Director of the NCDC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to partnering with member states to drive sustainable development across the region.
He said the commission would focus on transportation, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, industrialisation, water supply, electricity and telecommunications, while collaborating with states to tackle insecurity and other development challenges.
Also speaking, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, Chairman of the NCDC Governing Board, said the visit was part of the commission’s tour of member states to introduce its leadership and strengthen partnerships.
Akighir commended Governor Bago’s achievements in agriculture, infrastructure and governance, describing them as significant contributions to the development of Niger State.
