Tackling Neglect: We hope the recent Governor's Visit will address the State of Infrastructure, Education, and Security in Niger North Senatorial Zone

The Niger North Senatorial Zone of Niger State faces a trio of challenges—deplorable infrastructure, crumbling educational facilities, and persistent security threats. These issues, long neglected, continue to undermine the quality of life and economic potential of the region. Governor Umar Bago’s ongoing tour of the zone is a welcome initiative, providing him with firsthand insight into the realities on the ground. However, this visit must translate into immediate and decisive action.

The State of Infrastructure

Federal roads in the senatorial zone have become a symbol of neglect. Spanning over 50% of the state’s federal road network, many of these routes are nearly impassable, choking the movement of goods and people. Some glaring examples include:

Makera to Kontagora
Bangi to Kontagora
Rijau to Kontagora
Makera to Tegina to Birnin Gwari
Mokwa to New Bussa to Agwara
Bida to Wushishi to Zungeru to Tegina

These roads are lifelines for thousands, yet years of abandonment have left them in ruins, contributing to rising transportation costs, stunted economic growth, and worsening living conditions.

Educational Infrastructure

Education, the bedrock of development, is in a precarious state in Niger North. Primary and secondary schools across the region are falling apart, with dilapidated buildings, lack of basic learning materials, and insufficient teaching staff. This neglect threatens to deprive an entire generation of children of the tools they need to thrive in the future.

Security Concerns

Adding to the region’s woes is the alarming rate of insecurity. Banditry remains a daily threat, forcing many to live in constant fear. Farming activities have been disrupted, businesses crippled, and communities displaced. Without urgent intervention, the socio-economic fabric of the zone will continue to deteriorate.

The Way Forward

Governor Bago’s tour is a commendable first step, but the focus must now shift to action. Key priorities include:

Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Partnering with federal agencies and exploring public-private partnerships to rebuild critical roads.
Educational Investment: Allocating state funds to renovate schools, provide learning materials, and recruit teachers.
Strengthening Security: Collaborating with federal security agencies to address banditry through improved policing, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement.

Local authorities and stakeholders must ensure the governor’s visit is not merely a ceremonial exercise but an opportunity to address these longstanding issues head-on.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

The residents of Niger North have endured these challenges for far too long. It is time for decisive leadership, innovative solutions, and a commitment to change. Governor Bago has the chance to rewrite the narrative of the region, but he cannot do it alone. It will take the collective effort of government, private sector players, and the community to turn things around.

The Niger North Senatorial Zone deserves better—and the time to act is now.