Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has put to rest fears of land seizures as he unveiled an ambitious 20-year development plan designed to transform Bida and other major towns into thriving urban centers.
At a vibrant town hall meeting on Saturday in Bida, the Governor emphasized that the state government has no intention of confiscating farmers’ lands, despite rumors circulating in some quarters. Instead, the plan aims to decongest the historic town by creating well-planned layouts and improving infrastructure.
“This is about building the future—not taking land from our people,” Governor Bago declared.
Central to the plan is a new 44-kilometer dual carriageway ring road around Bida, aimed at easing heavy traffic and unlocking thousands of land plots for development. The Governor explained that the road will bring health, safety, and prosperity to the town by diverting dangerous traffic away from the congested center.
“This project will turn Bida into a modern city, boost land values, and create new opportunities for our people,” he said.
Governor Bago urged residents to beware of unscrupulous land grabbers trying to exploit the plan and encouraged planting of economic trees to increase land value.
He assured, “No land will be taken without proper compensation.”
Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, leader of Niger’s traditional rulers, urged the community to support the government’s urban renewal vision and assured that respect for people’s land and heritage remains paramount.
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barrister Maurice Magaji, hailed the unveiling as a milestone towards a prosperous, sustainable Bida and Niger State.
With community engagement now underway, Governor Bago’s 20-year plan promises a bold new chapter for Niger’s development story.