During his visit to Moscow, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago highlighted his administration’s mission to transform farming in Nigeria through strategic partnerships with Russia’s agricultural sector.
"We have come here to seek partnership... in an attempt to change the narratives of agriculture in Nigeria," he told Sputnik Africa.
Bago stressed the fundamental link between food security and national sovereignty:
"No country is independent unless it can feed itself," he said.
By tapping into Russia’s expertise in mechanization, agro-allied chemicals, and research, Niger State aims to drive a major agricultural revival aligned with Nigeria’s food security goals.
Governor Bago has also called for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Russia across key sectors like agriculture, mining, education, and health.
"This is a very big window for Nigeria as a country to take advantage of today and the global order to boost the relationship with Russia and the South-South countries," he said.
Bago emphasized that partnerships with Russian companies will drive job creation, skills development, and large-scale investment. Niger State, rich in natural resources, aims to leverage joint ventures with Russia to unlock its untapped economic potential, he added.