Niger state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has reiterated zero tolerance for corruption in his government as he promises public prosecution and disgrace for anyone caught embezzling or misappropriating public funds.
Bago dished this warning after he announced the commencement of the Niger State Agricultural Development Fund while moderating a session on the second day of the Niger State Green Economy Summit in Minna.
According to him, taking the action of disgracing officials or individuals who misuse or embezzle public funds publicly would restore the confidence and trust of the people in government.
He said,
“The Agricultural Development Fund must live to expectation. We would create a Niger state EFCC, NFIU, and ICPC to make sure that these monies go to the real farmers. We will prosecute people publicly. When you touch public funds, we will disgrace you. That is what will bring the trust and confidence of the people in government.”
The governor also announced that the state government would give N1 million to anyone who returns to farming in the state adding that the first 1,000 youths who key into the agro initiative of the state government would be given N1 million each.
He added,
“The Niger State Agricultural Development Fund will start with an incentive from the Niger state government of N1 billion. Every local government area will give N100 million and as a government, we have seed money of N3.5 billion for people to enroll back into farming for sustainable development.”
The Niger state government also entered into an agreement with One Hectare One Family to provide one million banana seeds for the benefit of Nigerlites.