President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to peace and security as essential foundations for national development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking during his inaugural address as Chairman of the Niger State Development Forum (NSDF) Board, Idris said no meaningful development can take place without a secure and peaceful environment — a reality that informs the Tinubu administration’s significant investments in national security.
“Peace, security, development, and infrastructure are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Mr. President has made it clear: security is not optional — it is the foundation of national progress,” the Minister stated.
“That is why the Federal Government, under his leadership, is sparing no effort or resource in strengthening our security architecture to create a safe environment for communities, businesses, and development to thrive.”
Idris commended the former Chairman of the Forum, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, for his dedication, pledging to consolidate on past gains and drive the Forum’s mission of advancing Niger State’s development by leveraging the intellectual and professional capacity of its citizens.
“We are a non-partisan, impartial body, and that is our strength. Our diversity of experience enables us to act as a bridge between state and federal institutions, public and private sectors,” he said.
Inaugurating the new Board, Niger State Governor Umar Bago reiterated his administration’s focus on accelerating development across the state. He lamented the underdevelopment of communities bordering the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), despite Niger State contributing 75% of the FCT’s landmass.
“Most areas adjacent to the FCT are slums. We have taken bold steps to revoke lands around Zuma Rock to develop a new city. By May 29, 2025, we will break ground on a new Government House annex in that location,” Bago said.
He disclosed plans to transform 50,000 hectares in the Suleja and Tafa corridors into a model city through strategic partnerships, adding that the government will continue working with the Forum to realize its development agenda.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, will serve as Co-Chair of the Forum, which comprises prominent professionals and leaders from Niger State.
Signed
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation
April 24, 2025
