By: Lawal Tanko
In the dynamic and ambitious administration of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the vision for a “New Niger Agenda” is not just a slogan but a clarion call for comprehensive transformation. While the Governor is the face and driving force of this agenda, the engine room where policies are refined, coordinated and driven forward is the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), under the adept leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Usman.
Appointed to this pivotal role, Alhaji Usman has moved beyond the traditional, ceremonial functions of the SSG’s office to transform it into a strategic hub of efficiency, policy coordination and implementation oversight, directly contributing to the pillars of the New Niger Agenda.
A key transformation under Alhaji Abubakar Usman has been the modernization of the State’s bureaucratic processes.
· From Gatekeeper to Facilitator: Traditionally, the SSG’s office could be a bottleneck. Usman has redefined it as a facilitation center, ensuring that memos, approvals and inter-ministerial communications are treated with urgency and precision. This has significantly reduced administrative delays, allowing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to focus on execution.
· Enhanced Inter-Ministerial Coordination: The New Niger Agenda is a multi-sectoral plan involving agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, housing security, and women and youth empowerment among several others. The SSG’s office, under the watchful eyes of Alhaji Usman, acts as the central nervous system, ensuring synergy and preventing siloed operations. Regular coordination meetings chaired by the SSG ensure all MDAs are aligned with the Governor’s vision.
· Strengthening the Civil Service: Recognizing that the civil service is the implementation arm of Government, the SSG has been supporting the Head of Service in driving reforms aimed at instilling a new culture of professionalism, accountability and performance. This includes supporting training initiatives and ensuring that promotions and postings are based on merit and the needs of the New Niger Agenda.
Alhaji Usman’s effectiveness is most visible in how his office directly interfaces with the core pillars of Governor Bago’s agenda.
Agricultural Revolution: As a former lawmaker with a background in agriculture, Governor Bago has placed a premium on transforming Niger State into Nigeria’s food basket. The SSG’s office facilitates the complex logistics behind agricultural initiatives, from liaising with the Ministry of Agriculture to engaging with commercial farmers and investors. It ensures that policies like the massive farm estate projects and empowerment schemes for smallholder farmers are seamlessly coordinated across different Government entities.
· Infrastructure and Urban Renewal: The ambitious road construction, public building renovations and urban development projects across Minna and other cities require meticulous planning and resource allocation. The SSG’s office plays a critical role in the State Executive Council, helping to vet and prioritize projects that align with the State’s strategic development plan, ensuring that the Government’s resources are channeled into high-impact ventures.
Security and Investment: No development can thrive in an insecure environment. The SSG’s office is a key participant in the state’s security architecture, working closely with the Governor and security chiefs to analyze intelligence, coordinate responses and implement community-based security strategies. By helping to foster a more secure environment, the office paves the way for the domestic and foreign investment that the New Niger Agenda desperately needs.
ARAFAT DOOR TO DOOR CAMPAIGN DECLARED SUPPORT FOR FARMER GOVERNOR BAGO’S ADMINISTRATION
