Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has urged critical organisations and individuals to support the state’s agricultural revolution programmes to ensure food sufficiency and security.

Mr Bago made the call when he inaugurated the new executive council members of the Community Association For Grassroots Transformation, in Minna on Sunday.

He decried the rising cost of food items in the country, blaming the situation on those hoarding and mopping up food from markets to create artificial scarcity.

Mr Bago, however, said that support of stakeholders like the Community Association For Grassroots Transformation would go a long way in making the state an agricultural hub.

“Niger State needs to start producing for the emerging markets, which will, in the long run, enrich the farmers as well as guarantee food security,” Mr Bago said.

The governor tasked the association to focus on overcoming challenges and attaining a more inclusive future at the grassroots.

He called on the group to organise a round-table with the state government on such developmental issues as the state of Baro Port and Bida Basin.

(NAN)