Governor Aliyu's Pledge for Niger State By Dr. S. Rumala, New York, USA - July 2007 

Nowhere is the importance of change better understood than with the newly elected Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who prefers to be humbly called “The Chief Servant”.  Niger State being one of the most important states in Nigeria is destined for radical change under the new Governor’s leadership. Governor Aliyu is privileged to lead Niger State which is the home of two former Nigerian leaders, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar. 

In his inaugural speech held on May 29, 2007, Governor Aliyu expressed a determination to reshape Niger State in becoming a major threshold in Africa by aggressively doing everything possible to deliver on his campaign promises. His primary goal is massive redevelopment and economic progress. To achieve these challenges, Governor Aliyu outlined specific issues that his administration will address. The areas of priority include the following: 1) Agriculture, 2) Infrastructure, 3) Commerce, 4) Health Care,

5) Education, 6) Employment, 7) Public/Private Partnership and 8) Tourism.

However, in order to approach these issues, Governor Aliyu must first dismantle the system of corruption that currently exists which has literally crippled Niger State’s economy and has caused massive problems throughout the region. The Governor gave a stern warning that it is no longer business as usual. He has proposed zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to demonstrate his aversion to corruption by striving to eliminate these practices. Governor Aliyu is very aware of this complex epidemic and will address the caustic behavior and habits so ingrained in the governmental system. He has promised to open the lines of communication and make Niger State Economic and Financial Crimes Committee (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) friendly. This tactic will facilitate improved relationships with the Niger people and develop a system of trust. This administration will be visible to the people and the momentum for change will be unstoppable.

Governor Aliyu is committed to Niger State becoming a powerful and vigorous economy. In order to achieve this objective, he had established a plan to approach each area of concern with a solution to correct Niger State’s problems. Governor Aliyu’s first priority is agriculture. Since Niger State has an abundance of resources, his plan is to implement zones to serve as specific ecological development areas to be responsible for assigned products for growth and distribution. This type of operation is designed to improve food, security and provide a market for gainful employment.

Another aspect of Governor Aliyu’s agriculture policy will focus on industrial raw materials through the development of large-scale commercial farming. His strategy toward this goal is to form public/private partnerships in agricultural development. His administration will consider investors and encourage growth by providing incentives to those partnerships that will do business in Niger State.

The Governor has promised to improve the state’s industrial infrastructure through the provision of adequate urban water supply. He intends on establishing industrial business centers in strategic areas to promote rapid growth thereby feeding the economic boom. Niger State’s intentions is to be flexible enough to move the country forward, but tough enough to deny proposals that are not conducive to the advancement of growth and productivity.

Another priority area for the growth of Niger State is education. Governor Aliyu has set the high standards to include compulsory and free education for all children. In addition, females will receive a free education pending the outcome of the financial implications affecting the educational budget. School fees assessed to Nigerians living in the state for five years will be abolished. Overall, Governor Aliyu ensures the improvement of quality education by conducting recruiting and training programs for teachers who will eventually educate children to be goal oriented and to achieve. Aliyu realizes that   today’s children are Niger States’ future leaders. The process of educating a nation is essential to the growth, success and achievements of Niger State.  Governor Aliyu’s plan is to combine intelligence with work ethics, integrity and determination as part of the driving force for a better Niger State. The Governor’s focus will be to empower the youth and encourage entrepreneurial opportunities that will produce job creators rather than job seekers.       

Mediocre education produces mediocre results which is not acceptable for Niger State. To this end, the Governor intends to overhaul the infrastructure of the current educational institutions. This means rehabilitating existing structures and constructing new facilities with the state of the art computerized technology. In addition, the state’s polytechnic in Zungeru will be renovated to facilitate full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTC). At the advanced level the IBB University in Lapai will be accelerated for completion.

For Governor Aliyu, the importance of education is closely aligned with producing a healthy nation. Along these lines, three specialized tertiary health care facilities will be constructed and centrally located in each established zone.  Furthermore, every rural community will be provided with medical services via mobile clinics and dispensaries.  Greater emphasis will be placed on the training of medical personnel including paramedical support staff. The training institutions in Minna, Bida and Tungan Magajia will be innovated to meet the requirements of international standards.

Lastly, Governor Aliyu has committed his administration to overcome obstacles and transform Niger State to an emerging market based on accountability, professionalism and integrity. Under his leadership, change and progress will occur as he works in close collaboration with all lawmakers to ensure the implementation of the governmental objectives.  In his own words, this is indeed a sign of good things to come to Niger State and Nigeria.