The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris stated has said that President Bola Tinubu is sparing no effort in ensuring peace and security as essential catalysts for national development.
The minister stated this in Abuja on Wednesday during his inaugural address as Chairman of the Board of the Niger State Development Forum, NSDF, an advisory, non-partisan body dedicated to advancing development in Niger State.
Idris said that no development can occur without peace and security, adding that it’s a reality well understood by Tinubu, whose administration invests heavily in these key sectors as part of a holistic strategy to transform the nation.
“Let me take this opportunity to underscore the critical nexus between development, peace, security, and infrastructure. These elements are not just interconnected – they are mutually reinforcing. No meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace and security, and conversely, the dividends of development often catalyze peace and stability.
“This is a reality well understood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration is investing heavily in these key sectors as part of a holistic strategy to transform our nation.
“Mr. President has made it clear that security is not optional; it is the bedrock upon which all other aspects of national progress must rest. That is why, under his leadership, the Federal Government is sparing no effort, no resource, and no commitment in strengthening our national security architecture.
“The aim is clear: to create a safe and conducive environment where communities can thrive, businesses can flourish, and development can take firm root,” Idris said.
He commended the pioneer Chairman of the NSDF, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, for his wisdom and dedication in steering the affairs of the body, adding that he is committed to consolidating the gains recorded under his leadership.
Idris stated that under his watch, the Forum would leverage the intellectual and professional capacities of Niger State indigenes to support Governor Umar Bago in his efforts to drive the state’s development.
“Today, as we gather in the presence of His Excellency, the governor, I reaffirm my full commitment to the Forum’s mission: to harness the intellectual and professional capacity of Nigerlites in advancing the development of our dear state,” he said.
“We are a non-political, impartial body, and that is our strength. Our diversity in experience and perspective allows us to serve as both bridge and catalyst: linking state with federal institutions, public with private sector, vision with action,”; he said.
While inaugurating the new Board of the NSDF, Niger State Governor, Bago, hailed the vision of the founders of the Forum, stressing that developing the state remains the top priority of his administration.
He noted that despite contributing 75% of the landmass of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the surrounding communities have remained largely underdeveloped.
“75% of the FCT was carved out of Niger State, however, most parts of Niger State that are adjourned to the FCT are slums. We have been bold in the last few months to revoke all the lands around the Zuma Rock to create a new city, and by May 29 (2025), there is going to be a groundbreaking of the new Government House annex behind the Zuma Rock,”; he said.
Governor Bago disclosed that the Niger State Government has secured strategic partnerships to develop 50,000 hectares of land across the Suleija and Tafa corridors into a model city designed to rival some of the highbrow districts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He pledged his commitment to continued engagement with members of the Forum in pursuit of his administration’s goal to accelerate the pace of development in Niger State.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, will serve as Co-Chair of the Forum, which comprises prominent personalities amongst the elite of Niger State.
