Former APC Aspirant Warns Niger Governor Against Land Takeover for Bida Ring Road Project
Concerns Raised Over Impact on Farmers and Food Security
A former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Niger State, Idris Usman-Makanta, has issued a strong warning to Governor Umaru Bago regarding the proposed acquisition of farmlands for the construction of a ring road in Bida Local Government Area.
In a letter addressed to the governor and shared on social media, Makanta expressed serious concerns about the potential consequences of the land acquisition plan. The state chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) emphasized that the targeted lands are productive farmlands that have supported generations of families.
Threat to Livelihoods and Food Security
Makanta warned that the proposed 1-kilometer land acquisition would have devastating effects on local communities: “These lands represent the backbone of our local economy and food systems. Taking them away will not only disrupt farming activities but also threaten food security, increase poverty, and displace hard-working citizens who depend solely on agriculture for survival.”
The former aspirant acknowledged the importance of infrastructure development but stressed the need for a balanced approach: “Development should never come at the cost of displacing the very people it aims to serve.”
Potential for Social Unrest
Makanta raised additional concerns about possible land disputes and communal tensions resulting from the project: “The large-scale nature of this acquisition is likely to spark land disputes and communal tensions, especially in areas where land boundaries are not clearly documented.”
Recommendations for Alternative Approach
The RIFAN chairman proposed several measures to mitigate the project’s impact:
- Reducing the land acquisition width to the absolute minimum necessary
- Direct engagement with affected communities
- Fair and prompt compensation for acquired lands
- Establishment of a conflict resolution committee
Makanta concluded his appeal by expressing hope that the governor’s administration would reconsider the plan: “I remain hopeful that your administration, known for its people-centred policies, will listen to the cries of the farmers, elders, and youth who now fear for their future.”
Credit: Daily Nigerian