Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on the Nigeria Customs Service to grant the state a waiver on the importation of agricultural equipment, citing Niger’s position as a leading agricultural producer.

According to Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, on Wednesday, Governor Bago made the appeal during a visit to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at his office in Abuja on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

He also requested that Niger State be given priority as an off-taker for any agricultural machinery the Customs Service intends to dispose of. “This visit is aimed at seeking collaboration with the Customs Service, given our international border with Benin Republic,” Governor Bago stated.

“Niger State has positioned itself as a pilot state for agricultural revolution, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda on food security.”

The Governor emphasised Niger State’s commitment to partnering with the Customs Service to reduce the burden on agro-production and support one million farmers in contributing to national food security. He congratulated Adeniyi on his promotion and appointment.

Comptroller General Adeniyi acknowledged Governor Bago’s agricultural initiatives and pledged to work closely with the state.

“We appreciate the agricultural revolution embarked upon by farmer Governor Umaru Bago,” Adeniyi said.

He requested Niger State’s support in providing intelligence information to assist the Customs Service in planning enforcement activities, ensuring security, trade compliance, and preventing smuggling, particularly along the Babana Community border and between Minna and the State capital.

“We are optimistic that the Federal Ministry of Finance will grant waivers and concessions to Niger State, especially in the area of agricultural production,” Adeniyi added.

Governor Bago was accompanied by key state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Usman, and the Commissioner for Finance, Lawal Adamu Maikano.