Niger Governor Bago Allegedly Gifts N1billion Waterboard Land Meant For Public Use To Ally, Shehu Kabiru

The Niger State governor, Umar Bago, has “granted” a prime land belonging to the State's Waterboard, valued at over N1billion, to his ally, Shehu Kabiru, through his company, in Suleja.

The property, located directly opposite the Suleja Local Government Secretariat, was originally meant for the Niger State Waterboard, an agency responsible for providing essential water services to residents of the state.

SaharaReporters' findings revealed that the Site Map shows the land, a choice property, had already been put up for sale despite belonging to a government agency.

Further findings revealed that the land was “granted” to Kash Crop Merchants Nigeria Limited, a company which was created in September 2023, barely three months after Governor Bago took his oath of office, for the purpose of “Animal Husbandry Service.”

A Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) search shows that the company belongs to the governor’s ally, Shehu Kabiru, who serves as an “Official Personal Assistant to Niger State governor, without portfolio.” 

The record lists him as the only Director and sole shareholder of the company, with an address at Chiroma Street, Kontagora, Kontagora Local Government Area, Niger State.

Documents obtained stated, “The company with 1 director and doubles as shareholder is ‘granted’ a land sized over 1 hectare worth over a billion.”

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State is nor new to controversies of maladministration.

He recently faced criticism over his administration's handling of public relations and freedom of expression.

In August 2025, Bago ordered the shutdown of Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM, a privately owned station in Minna, accusing it of "anti-peace and treasonable incitement" following the broadcast of three programmes that highlighted alleged government shortcomings.

The closure was executed by the state Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, who sealed the station's premises and revoked its license.

The action drew widespread condemnation from media rights groups, including Media Rights Agenda and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), who called for the immediate reversal of the decision and reinstatement of the station's operations.

Recently Bago ordered the arrested of Isa Mokwa, a social media commentator and student activist, over posts that criticised the administration's handling of public resources and appointments.

Mokwa was briefly detained before being released, and the incident sparked debates about freedom of expression and the treatment of online activists in the state.