A former governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress in Niger State, Idris Usman-Makanta, has cautioned Governor Umaru Bago against the proposed land takeover for the construction of a ring road in Bida Local Government Area of the state.
In a letter addressed to Mr Bago and titled: ‘Re: Appeal for Reconsideration of Land Takeover Around Bida Ring Road’, and shared on his Facebook page, Mr Idris noted that the decision poses grave risks to the livelihoods and well-being of thousands of people.
According to him, the lands marked for acquisition are not idle, emphasising that they are fertile farmlands, cultivated by families for generations.
Mr Makanta, who is also the state chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, warned that taking the land 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 letter partly read: “Let me begin by commending your initiative to improve the transportation network through the construction of a ring road around Bida. Infrastructure.
“Development is vital, and we recognise its role in enhancing connectivity, boosting economic activity, and opening up new opportunities for our communities.
“However, I must humbly raise a serious concern regarding the decision to take over a 1-kilometre stretch of land both within and outside the proposed ring road corridor, which cuts across several kilometres and affects a large number of villages and farming settlements.
“This plan, as it currently stands, poses grave risks to the livelihoods and well-being of thousands of our people.
“The lands marked for acquisition are not idle. They are fertile farmlands, cultivated by families for generations. 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 lace hard-working citizens who depend solely on agriculture for survival.
“Moreover, 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 or where historical claims are sensitive.
“In a time when we should be promoting peace and unity, we must tread carefully to avoid unintended crises.”
He, however, clarified that the letter is not to oppose development but to seek an inclusive development approach.
“Therefore, I respectfully appeal to your Excellency to reconsider the scope of this land takeover and adopt a more community-sensitive approach,” he added.
While recommending measures to mitigate the impact of the government decision, Mr Idris called for reducing the land acquisition width to the absolute minimum necessary for the project.
“Engage directly with affected communities to understand their concerns and needs.
“Ensure fair and prompt compensation for any land taken, and provide alternative livelihood support or relocation options where necessary.
“Establish a conflict resolution committee to preempt and address land-related grievances”, he added.
He added that, “development should never come at the cost of displacing the very people it aims to serve. I believe that with sincere dialogue and thoughtful planning, the ring road project can move forward in a way that respects both infrastructure goals and human dignity.
“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”.
