The Niger state government has disclosed that it has received $20 million from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) to plant trees in the state as part of the agriculture and green economy policies of the administration.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of the state disclosed this at the Government House in Minna when he received members of the forum of permanent secretaries headed by the Head of Service, Salisu Abubakar, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

The ACreSAL is a six-year World Bank-assisted project aimed at addressing the challenges of land degradation and environmental challenges arising from climate change and poor land-use practices in Northern Nigeria on a multi-dimensional scale.

The Governor called on permanent secretaries to liaise with the Ministry of Lands and other relevant MDAs for the establishment of civil service farms in all local government areas of the state so that even after retirement they can continue with agriculture.

He boasted that Niger State has set the pace in agriculture, and it’s ready to take it further as land clearing is ongoing in many areas for irrigation and dry-season mechanized farming, adding that the state will support all-inclusive agriculture; hence, people can venture into other aspects of animal husbandry and aquaculture, not just crop production.

Bago appreciated the forum for their goodwill message and gift giving to him for his birthday, while acknowledging that he has stepped on toes but that it was not a personal vendetta but that it was out of the desire to build a new Niger, adding that he will not hesitate to step on more toes in order to take the state to greatness.

The Head of Service, Salisu, on behalf of the forum, felicitated the Governor on his 50th birthday and commended him for the confidence he has in the civil service of the state, adding that the service is proud to be associated with his laudable projects and task of building a new Niger.
https://farmersmanual.com/niger-govt-secures-tree-planting-investment-from-acresal/