Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on the Federal Government to allocate 13 per cent derivation to Niger State for power generation through the four hydropower-generating dams situated in the state.
Governor Umaru Bago made this call during a visit by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, along with other principal officials of the Commission to the Governor at the Government House in Minna.
The Governor expressed concern over the frequent displacement of Nigerlites due to the overflow of water from Niger State into Delta, describing the situation as absurd.
Governor Umaru Bago proposed a roundtable discussion to find a solution, suggesting that the State might cut off the supply of power from the hydro dams until its demands are met. He also emphasized that organizations like the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should compensate the State for the hydrocarbon exchange.
Furthermore, Governor Umaru Bago pointed out that Niger State has made significant contributions to the country, such as ceding its land for the creation of the nation’s capital, Abuja. Therefore, he urged the Federal Government to compensate the state accordingly.
He also expressed dismay over the Suleja-Minna road dualisation project, which has been awarded for the past 12 years but remains incomplete. This road is a critical gateway between the northern and southern parts of the country, and the Governor described the delay as unacceptable.
Governor Bago emphasised that the state would no longer accept marginalisation and would continue to push its demands until the Federal Government provides the necessary attention.
. TheWitness
