By Abubakar Yunusa
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has declared that Nigeria has no reason to remain in poverty, given its vast natural resources.
Speaking at the Taraba International Investment Summit in Jalingo, the governor pointed to Nigeria’s abundant sunshine, fertile land, and water resources as unmatched advantages.
“People in Europe barely farm for three months a year.But we can farm 24 hours, 365 days a year. It means we have no business with poverty,”Bago said.
He stressed that all key factors of production were naturally available in Taraba State, a sentiment also echoed by Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during the summit.
“You have the land, you have water, you have sun,” Bago reiterated, calling on stakeholders to harness these resources efficiently.
The governor urged government at all levels to act as enablers of enterprise by creating a conducive atmosphere for private investment.
“Government must provide enabling environments for business to thrive,” he said.
“You must invest in asset and capital procurement so the private sector can concession and use them for production.”
The summit drew investors from across Nigeria and abroad, with key discussions centred on agribusiness, energy, and infrastructure development in Taraba State.