Bago renews call for 13% derivation, tasks NCDC on insecurity, climate challenges

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has insisted that the state deserves a 13 percent derivation from the Federal Government, citing the heavy environmental and economic burden caused by recurrent flooding from the Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru hydropower dams.

Bago made this call while receiving the management of the North Central Development Commission, NCDC, led by its Governing Board Chairman, Cosmas Akighir, at the Government House in Minna, where he also urged the commission to prioritise insecurity, communal clashes and climate-related challenges across the North-Central region.

The governor said the annual release of water from the four hydropower dams has continued to wreak havoc on communities, destroy farmlands and displace residents, stressing that the devastation justifies Niger State’s demand for a 13 percent derivation from the Federal Government.

He urged the commission to pay greater attention to climate change and environmental challenges confronting the state, noting that recurring floods have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and agricultural production.

Bago also called on the NCDC to develop lasting solutions to insecurity and communal conflicts, particularly the recurring farmer-herder clashes across the North Central region.

He advocated a meeting of governors in the zone with the commission to chart a common course for addressing the region’s peculiar developmental and security challenges.

According to him, such an engagement would enable the commission to better align its interventions with the pressing needs of member states.

The governor further urged the commission to invest heavily in agriculture and education, describing both sectors as critical to sustainable development and economic growth.

He assured the commission of the Niger State Government’s readiness to support its operations by providing a liaison office and other logistical assistance to ensure effective service delivery.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, Cyril Tsenyil, said the commission was committed to building strong partnerships with member states in line with its mandate to drive sustainable development across the region.

Tsenyil said the commission’s intervention areas include transportation, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, industrialisation, water supply, electricity and telecommunications.

He also assured the Niger State Government of the commission’s readiness to collaborate in tackling insecurity and other development challenges.

Also, the Chairman of the NCDC Governing Board, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, said the visit formed part of the commission’s tour of member states to introduce its leadership and identify areas of partnership.

Akighir commended Governor Bago for his administration’s initiatives in agriculture, infrastructure and governance, describing them as significant contributions to the development of Niger State.