Niger State governor, Umar Bago, has come under intense scrutiny following reports that he allocated a prime piece of land belonging to the State Waterboard—valued at over ₦1 billion—to his close associate, Shehu Kabiru, through his private company. The land, located directly opposite the Suleja Local Government Secretariat, was originally meant for the Waterboard’s operational use in providing essential water services to residents.
Investigations by SaharaReporters revealed that the property has already been listed for sale despite its government ownership. Documents show that the land was “granted” to Kash Crop Merchants Nigeria Limited, a company incorporated in September 2023, just three months after Bago assumed office. The company’s official business purpose, as filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), is “Animal Husbandry Service.”
Further findings show that Shehu Kabiru, who serves as the governor’s “official personal assistant without portfolio,” is the sole director and shareholder of the company. Records indicate that the firm was granted over one hectare of land—a property worth over a billion naira. This revelation has raised serious concerns about transparency and the potential abuse of power within Bago’s administration.
Governor Bago has faced mounting criticism in recent months over allegations of maladministration and suppression of dissent. In August 2025, he ordered the shutdown of Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM, a private station in Minna, accusing it of “anti-peace and treasonable incitement.” The action, carried out by police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, led to widespread backlash from media rights groups such as SERAP and Media Rights Agenda, who described it as an assault on press freedom.
In another controversial move, the governor reportedly ordered the arrest of social media activist Isa Mokwa for criticizing his government’s management of public resources and appointments. Mokwa was detained briefly before being released, sparking further outrage from civil society organizations.
Critics argue that the Suleja land scandal and these past incidents paint a worrying picture of a government increasingly intolerant of accountability. For many residents, the situation has raised questions about how state resources are being managed and whether public institutions—like the Waterboard—are being sacrificed for personal and political gain.
Observers and activists have since called on anti-graft agencies to investigate the land transaction and ensure that public assets are protected from misuse. As the controversy grows, Governor Bago’s silence on the matter has only deepened public suspicion, with many insisting that transparency and justice must prevail in the face of yet another test of governance integrity in Niger State.
