By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the 2026 farming season in Niger State north Central Nigeria, alongside the distribution of modern farming equipment to farmers across the state’s 25 local government areas.

The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, attracted top government officials, ministers, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, members of the State Executive Council, and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Items distributed include 250 tractors, 50 combine harvesters, 150,000 bags of fertiliser, 1,500 planters, ploughs, boom sprayers, and harrows.

Mrs. Tinubu praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his strong commitment to agriculture, noting that Niger State has become one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs. She said the governor’s efforts show that agriculture is a reliable path to economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainability.

According to her, the programme marks a major step from traditional farming to modern, mechanised, and commercial agriculture. She added that the initiative will help farmers increase productivity, improve their income, and contribute more to Nigeria’s economy.

The First Lady also said the initiative supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises food availability and affordability. She urged farmers to make good use of the equipment and adopt modern farming methods.

In his remarks, Governor Bago said his administration is investing heavily in agriculture to support farming on 120,000 hectares of land across the state. He explained that the plan will create about 3,000 jobs and produce an estimated 500,000 tons of food each farming season.

The governor said the new equipment and inputs will improve the entire agricultural value chain, not just in Niger State but across the country. He added that his government will expand irrigation systems to allow farming throughout the year and ensure proper arrangements for buying farmers’ produce.

He also called on farmers and stakeholders to work closely with the Niger Food Security and Logistics Limited to achieve food production targets. He appealed to the First Lady to continue supporting the state by attracting more agricultural investments.
The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the initiative, saying it will strengthen food security, especially with ongoing national infrastructure projects.

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, described agriculture as vital to Nigeria’s economy and said the federal government is committed to supporting the sector.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the government is working with states and stakeholders to ensure Nigeria can feed itself, noting that Niger State is leading due to its large fertile land.

Other speakers, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Isah Sidi Rijau, and the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, said the initiative will modernise farming, boost productivity, and empower farmers.

The Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Agaie, Yusuf Nuhu, described the programme as a major step toward solving food insecurity in the country.

By George Mgbeleke

To ensure effective service delivery in the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the Senate has confirmed Abdullahi Mukhtar and Amina Gamawa as Commissioners representing Kaduna and Bauchi states respectively in the Commission.

The Senate made the confirmation following
Senate’s consideration of the report of its Committee on National Planning and Economic Matters during plenary at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Senator Augustine Akobundu, who represents Abia Central Senatorial District, stood in for the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Musa Mustapha, and moved the motion for consideration and approval of the nominations.

Presenting the Committee’s report, Akobundu, who represents Abia Central Senatorial District, told the Chamber that the nominees are competent and qualified for the job for which they were nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

During the screening of Mukhtar on Tuesday by the Committee on National Planning and Economic Matters, members of the Panel observed that he had made several appearances to the Senate for confirmation in his previous appointments.

For instance, when Abdullahi Mukhtar, who is a former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) was appointed under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he was screened and confirmed by the Senate.

Therefore, the Committee argued that since he was found worthy by the Senate to serve Nigeria in that capacity and other capacities, there was no need to subject him to rigorous interrogation.

A member of the Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, therefore, moved a motion that he should be granted the honour to take a “bow and go”, a request that was overwhelmingly adopted by members and he took a bow and left.

“Mr Chairman and Distinguished colleagues, in line with our tradition, the nominee before us for the position of Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), is well known to us, having screened him in the past for some other very important positions like Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Following Senate procedure, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the confirmation process to the Committee of the Whole. The appointments were put to a voice vote and approved by Senators.

After the confirmation, Akpabio advised the new appointees on the importance of their offices, stressing the need for them to live up to expectations and discharge their duties with diligence.

President Bola Tinubu had written the Senate seeking the confirmation of the two nominees to serve as Commissioners in the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

This request was referred to the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, with a mandate to report back to the Red Chamber within one week.

President Tinubu in his letter, emphasized that these appointments are critical for the continued transparency and efficiency of federal agencies.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming and regulating the mining sector to boost economic growth and protect local communities.

The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Muhammad Qasim Danjuma stated this during an interview with journalists, where he highlighted ongoing efforts to address illegal mining and attract genuine investors into the state.

Danjuma described Niger State as one of the most blessed in Nigeria in terms of mineral deposits, noting that proper management of these resources could significantly improve the state’s economy and infrastructure.

According to him, “Niger State has witnessed several administrations since its creation in 1976, but the current era is bringing remarkable transformation across all the 25 local government areas, especially in infrastructure development.”

The Commissioner commended the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, describing his emergence as a “divine opportunity” for the people of the state. He said the administration has demonstrated strong commitment, dedication, and visible development projects, unlike previous governments that made promises without delivering.

Speaking in the mining sector, Danjuma explained that the Ministry of Mineral Resources was created in 2017 after being separated from the Ministry of Environment. Since then, efforts have been made to reposition the sector for better performance.

He, however, identified illegal mining as a major challenge affecting the sector. According to him, many individuals and groups operate without proper licenses or community consent, thereby causing environmental damage and security concerns.

“Illegal miners and some cartels are exploiting the state’s resources for personal gain. This is a serious problem we are working hard to address,” he said.

The Commissioner explained that for anyone to operate legally, they must obtain a valid license from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and also secure consent from host communities and clearance from the state government.

He further noted that the state has introduced new procedures requiring mining companies to engage host communities, ensure environmental protection, and contribute to local development through Community Development Agreements (CDAs).

Qasim Danjani added that the government is also encouraging artisanal miners to form cooperatives, which will enable them to operate legally and benefit from government support.

“We are working to formalize their activities, provide guidance, and ensure they contribute positively to the economy,” he said.

On enforcement, the Commissioner disclosed that several illegal miners have been arrested, while operations are ongoing to identify and remove others across the state.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with security agencies and federal authorities to curb illegal activities and prevent insecurity linked to unregulated mining.

The Commissioner assured that the government is creating a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors, stating that registered companies operating legally in the state are given full support and protection.

“If properly managed, the mining sector can generate revenue for the government and fund critical projects such as roads, hospitals, and other infrastructure,” he added.

Danjuma reiterated that the ultimate goal of the government is to ensure that mining activities benefit the people of Niger State while safeguarding the environment and maintaining peace in mining communities.