Niger State Governor Umar Bago Dissolves Cabinet In Mid-Term Review.
Minna, Niger State – On Monday, 1 September 2025, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council during a meeting at the Council Chamber in Minna. The decision, described as a mid-term review of his administration’s performance, aims to reposition the government for greater efficiency and inject fresh energy into the system.
Governor Bago, often referred to as the “Farmer Governor,” expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners, special advisers, and special assistants for their contributions to the state’s development over the past two years. He wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that some may be reappointed to different portfolios or assigned new roles, such as permanent secretaries or commissioners, to align with the administration’s vision for a “New Niger.”
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor clarified that key principal officers, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and other senior aides, will retain their positions to ensure continuity in governance. Speaking to journalists in Minna, Bago explained that the dissolution was a strategic move to reassess the administration’s progress and redeploy talent to areas where they can deliver maximum impact.
“This is a mid-term review of our performance. The government is large, and people can be deployed to various portfolios to bring about the desired growth and development in line with our New Niger Agenda,” Bago stated. He acknowledged the collective efforts of the outgoing cabinet members, describing them as part of the foundation for the state’s progress.
The dissolution has sparked discussions among political stakeholders in Niger State, with attention now turning to the composition of the new cabinet. The move comes amidst criticisms of the administration’s policies, which some have linked to challenges in information and communications management. However, Bago emphasised that the decision was in the best interest of the state, aiming to strengthen governance and address key performance indicators.
Governor Bago, a former member of the House of Representatives for Chanchaga Federal Constituency, won the 2023 gubernatorial election against Isah Liman Kantigi of the PDP. With a background in banking, having worked with institutions such as United Bank for Africa (UBA) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Bago has positioned himself as a reformist leader focused on agricultural and developmental initiatives.
As Niger State awaits the announcement of a new cabinet, residents and observers anticipate a reinvigorated administration poised to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the remaining term.
