The performance of any elected political office holder, especially governors in Nigeria today is gauged by the fulfillment of campaign promises made to the electorates mostly in addressing poverty, unemployment, infrastructure facilities in roads, water supply, health care delivery, and insecurity.
Among the campaign promises made by the Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, was to address youth unemployment by creating jobs, respecting and upholding the dignity of women and the girl-child and other vulnerable groups, charting new sources of economic growth, and fostering peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the diverse population and promoting prosperity based on the talents and resourcefulness of the people.
However, within just five months at the helm of affairs in the Power State, Bago has embarked on a whirlwind journey of transforming the state and an aggressive urban renewal policy at the forefront, Governor Bago’s administration is on the path to changing the face of the state through remarkable policies and achievements and it’s becoming evident that the state might have found its messiah.
While some pundits think that Bago’s urban renewal policy is quixotic as a result of the state government’s IGR, debts inherited from the past administration, and dependency on FAAC he is already matching actions with words to prove that this is achievable with accountability and the political will.
One of the most striking initiatives is the Niger State Urban Renewal Project, which involves the construction of 250 kilometers of intra-city roads in key areas like Minna, Bida, Suleja, and Kontagora. Work has already begun on the 202-kilometre Minna Township roads and the 44-kilometre dual carriageway Bida ring road. These projects aim to rehabilitate and construct a total of 1,500 kilometers of road across the state in four years. Such a massive infrastructure overhaul will undoubtedly provide significant benefits, from improved connectivity to economic growth.
He took the bull by the horns by revoking the sales of many government properties in the state to individuals and has commenced projects on such properties for the good of the people one of such projects includes the conversion of Shiroro Hotel into IBBU Teaching Hospital. Contractors have already commenced work.
The Three Arms Zone project has also commenced while compensation of affected properties on the Minna-Bida road has commenced after N3.5 billion was earmarked to ensure the smooth takeoff of the construction project is ongoing.
Messrs CCECC and Arab Contractors have commenced work on the Chanchaga to Beji and the Bida ring roads respectively as part of his urban renewal project for the state.
Governor Bago’s commitment to addressing the state’s federal road issues is also noteworthy. Talks with the Presidency to secure funding for these projects demonstrate his dedication to infrastructure development, aiming to make Niger State a hub for investment.
The governor’s vision extends beyond roads and into various facets of life in Niger state. He emphasises that these urban renewal programs are designed not only to create employment but also to enhance security, health care, and overall quality of life. The idea of empowering local youth and supporting small businesses around construction sites is a testament to his holistic approach.
Furthermore, the approval of Niger State University of Education is a significant milestone, making it the 270th university in Nigeria and the second state-owned university in the state Is worthy of note after the initial process initiated by the former governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, was stalled after he left office and with four months into his administration, Bago ensured the conversion.
Bago has also decided that the era of withholding of candidates’ results by examination bodies as a result of non-payment of fees is over, and to this end, the sum of N205 million outstanding examination fees owed WAEC and about 150 million has been paid to NECO through a N30 million monthly payment arrangement to settle outstanding debts to release results withheld and avoid future withholding.
Under his watch, the state government has settled N600 million debt owed AEDC by the previous administration leading to improved power supply across the state. For his improved livelihood policy, the Bago administration has signed an MoU and released funds for the purchase of 200 CNG buses for free transportation for students and at a subsidised rate for civil servants to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidies.
He pledged during his inaugural speech to ensure the protection of lives and properties, which is evident within the Minna metropolis as youth restiveness, which was an everyday occurrence, has been curbed with his donation of 20 vehicles to security agencies in Operation Flush.
Governor Bago’s financial discipline is also commendable. The administration’s ability to save N10 billion in just 100 days, clear outstanding debts, and focus on paying local government salaries, exemplifies its dedication to responsible governance. Lastly, projects like the conversion of Shiroro Hotel into the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital and the remodeling of the Three Arms Zone signal the government’s commitment to improving healthcare and public spaces.
While some of his achievements are intangible, some are tangible achievements as are evident in the ambitious projects he has embarked upon and a strong commitment to improving the lives of Nigerlites.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has, in a mere five months, showcased the potential to become the transformative leader the state has been waiting for. As we witness these endeavors taking shape, the people of Niger state can only hope for a brighter, more prosperous future under his visionary leadership.
Yes, we can say there is still much to be done as it’s just the beginning of the administration, but I can tell you that the proof is in the pudding just like the Hausa proverb that says you can tell how good a Friday will be from Wednesday.
…Wakaso is the special adviser to the governor on print media
