By Laleye Dipo in Minna
Niger State government has dismissed reports that it was one of the 10 poorest states in Nigeria.
Recent media reports quoting statistics from the National Bureau of Statistic NBS placed Niger state 8th on the table of the 10 poorest states in the country along with Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Eboyin Adamawa Zamfara, Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi states.
The report blamed insecurity and lack of infrastructure in addition to low Internally Generated Revenue IGR in the said states for their high poverty levels.
However The Special Adviser Political Matters and Strategy to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Alhaji Nma Kolo dismissed the report saying “ We are not a poor state our people are not poor
“If you are talking about poverty I will say No we are not poor our people are not poor, our people are farmers; they are farming very well
“Niger State has been feeding the nation for a very long time, go to our markets you will understand what I am saying”.
Kolo insisted that Niger State could not be said to be among the poorest states in the country “ While producing food for the country”
He further argued in an interview with newsmen that the state “has improved it’s IGR, everyone can attest to this” submitting further that “people have the erroneous impression that the state is poor because of our landmass, we have the largest landmass in this country, if you are traveling from Minna- Agwara local government you may think you are traveling to another country”
He said government was however doing a lot to improve the condition of living of the people secure their lives and property and provide jobs for the youths.
According to Kolo the administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had remained focused despite some challenges including insecurity in some local government areas stressing that “ people-oriented projects have been executed in the 25 LGAs in the state.
“Government has remained focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people a lot of projects are ongoing, commissioning of projects are still ongoing, we have many projects to be commissioned in the 25 local government areas
“The Governor has made it very clear that he wants to complete all ongoing projects before he hands over in 2023” Kolo said
Commenting on the recent crisis within the state chapter of the party Alhaji Kolo said all those involved in the dispute “are now talking” saying that very soon the crisis will be totally resolved.
