..Commits to leveraging Nigerlites’ expertise for state growth
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making peace and security central to Nigeria’s development agenda.
The statement was made during the inaugural address of Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, as Chairman of the Niger State Development Forum (NSDF) on Thursday in Abuja.
The NSDF, a non-partisan advisory body, aims to promote development in Niger State.
Idris underscored the fundamental link between peace, security, and development, asserting that no meaningful progress can take place without a secure environment.
He further explained that this principle is a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritised investments in security and infrastructure as part of a broader vision for national transformation.
“Let me take this opportunity to stress the vital connection between development, peace, security, and infrastructure. These elements are not only interconnected but mutually reinforcing.
“No meaningful development can occur in the absence of peace and security, and conversely, the benefits of development often foster peace and stability. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully understands this dynamic, which is why his administration is investing heavily in these sectors as part of a comprehensive strategy to transform our nation,” Idris said.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.
“Mr. President has made it clear that security is not optional; it is the foundation upon which all other aspects of national progress must rest. Under his leadership, the Federal Government is fully committed to reinforcing our national security infrastructure,” he added.
“The goal is clear: to create a secure and enabling environment where communities can prosper, businesses can thrive, and development can take root.”
Idris also praised the outgoing Chairman of the NSDF, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, for his leadership and contributions to the success of the Forum. He pledged to continue the progress made and to use the Forum’s platform to support Governor Umar Bago’s development agenda for Niger State.
“We are a non-political, impartial body, and that is our strength. Our diverse experiences and perspectives allow us to serve as both a bridge and a catalyst: linking state with federal institutions, and the public with the private sector,” Idris said.
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, who also spoke at the event, reiterated his administration’s dedication to the state’s development. He pointed out that while Niger State contributes 75% of the landmass of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), neighbouring communities remain underdeveloped.
“75% of the FCT was carved out of Niger State, yet many areas of Niger State adjacent to the FCT remain slums. We have taken bold steps in recent months to revoke lands around Zuma Rock to create a new city. By May 29, 2025, there will be a groundbreaking for the new Government House annex behind Zuma Rock,” Bago said.
Governor Bago also shared plans to develop 50,000 hectares of land in the Suleija and Tafa corridors into a model city that will rival some of the prime districts in the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed a strong commitment to collaborating with the Forum to fast-track the state’s development.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, will serve as Co-Chair of the Forum, which includes prominent figures from Niger State’s elite.