FG Reaffirms Commitment to Growth as Niger State Turns 50

By Mustapha Musa

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to inclusive growth, national unity, and sustainable development as Niger State celebrates its 50th anniversary.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the golden jubilee is not just a celebration of time but a tribute to resilience, democratic endurance, and the shared aspirations of the people.

Established in 1976 alongside Imo, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, Niger State holds a strategic place in Nigeria’s development.

Known as The Power State, it is the country’s largest by landmass and home to major national assets such as the Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro Hydroelectric Dams—critical to energy security, industry, and agriculture.

According to the Minister, Niger State’s relevance extends far beyond its geography. Its vast arable land, energy infrastructure, and contributions to the evolution of the Federal Capital Territory place it at the centre of Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

He noted that while the state has recorded important democratic milestones over the last five decades, the 50th anniversary should serve as a turning point for renewed development.

The three senatorial districts—Niger East, Niger North, and Niger South, offer opportunities for more balanced growth and improved policy alignment across agriculture, capital investment, and value-chain development.

Idris further linked Niger State’s future prospects to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that ongoing national reforms focused on economic revitalisation, infrastructure renewal, and institutional strengthening are opening new pathways for sustainable development nationwide.