Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger has said the state is committed to improving the capacity of farmers to get the best out of their farms and sell products competitively in the markets.
This is as he assured Nigerlites that his administration will commit substantial amount of resources to support security agencies in addressing insecurity bedeviling the state.
Bello said this during the commissioning the 21km Suleja-Abuchi-Izom – Farindoki old Gawu roads at Abuchi Fadama in Tafa local government area of the state.
“Our overall target is to improve the capacity of our farmers to get the best out of their farms and sell products competitively in the markets; which is a prerequisite for sustainable rural development. By doing this, we will be able to facilitate and promote economic growth for our farmers and other rural dwellers thereby providing all-year-round access to basic services and facilities across the State.
“As part of our efforts to empower the people and create meaningful means of sustenance for them, we have engaged the people along the corridors of these rural roads for the management and maintenance of the roads. Through this process, we are institutionalizing rural roads maintenance activities, a legacy we hope to enshrine in the governance process of Niger State.
“It is my belief that with the expanded access to motorable roads, we would be reducing the cost of transportation, lifting people out of poverty and minimizing waste of agricultural produce in the state. Farmers who are hitherto faced with difficulties of sourcing and transporting key inputs (like seeds or fertilizers) to their farms and evacuating their harvests to the local and regional markets will now be relieved,” Bello said.
The Governor, who expressed sadness over the increase in banditry in some parts of the state, assured the residents that his government is making concerted efforts to tackle insecurity.
