The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Niger State Government have formalized a landmark N5 billion partnership aimed at boosting agriculture and improving food security in the region. The agreement, which was signed on Tuesday, marks a major step in the development of large-scale rice and maize production across 4,000 hectares in Niger State. The initiative targets 4,000 smallholder farmers in three local government areas.
The N5 billion agreement will see both NADF and the Niger State Government contributing equally, with each party providing N2.5 billion to fund the mixed cropping project. This joint effort will see the primary focus on the production of rice and maize, which are vital crops in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. In addition to financing, the partnership will also see NADF providing technical advisory services and taking on a key role in monitoring and evaluation throughout the project’s duration. Niger Foods Company will oversee off-take responsibilities and facilitate market access for the produce.
Muhammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, emphasized the significance of this partnership in the context of the ongoing effort to boost food production and ensure food security for the people of Niger State. “This agreement is a major milestone between NADF and the Niger State Government,” Ibrahim said, “and we are excited to witness the first agriculture financing agreement with Niger State and Niger Foods Limited.”
According to Ibrahim, the project is expected to produce over 20,000 tons of food, impacting approximately 40,000 people while simultaneously creating employment and promoting wealth generation, particularly for smallholder farmers. The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to enhance food production and self-sufficiency across Nigeria.
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State underscored the strategic importance of this project, especially in light of the country’s efforts to achieve food security and sovereignty. “In line with the President’s Food Security Initiative, it is imperative for us to achieve food sovereignty,” Bago stated. “We have abundant resources, water bodies, and arable land – and we must put them to productive use.”
Bago went on to highlight the vital role this initiative will play in improving livelihoods and creating employment opportunities for thousands of Niger State residents. He added that this project would serve as a testament to the shared commitment of the state and national government to ensure self-reliance in food production, thereby securing a prosperous future for both Niger State and Nigeria.
This partnership builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between NADF and the Niger State Government. With this new funding agreement in place, the project is set to drive transformative growth in agriculture and move Nigeria closer to achieving its food security goals.