WACOT Limited has launched the 2026 Sesame Outgrower Programme in Jigawa State, expanding support for more than 10,000 smallholder farmers through a strengthened partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), under the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Programme.

The programme, designed to improve access to finance, quality inputs, extension services, and sustainable farming practices, commenced with the distribution of agri inputs in Medu Village in the Gagarawa Local Council, as part of WACOT’s long-term commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chains and improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.

Since its launch in 2018, the WACOT Sesame Outgrower Programme has grown from a pilot initiative into one of Nigeria’s leading contract farming schemes, supporting over 10,000 farmers across eight local councils in Jigawa State.

Over the past seven years, WACOT said it has disbursed more than N1b in input credit, providing certified seeds, fertilisers and crop protection products alongside technical support through its Farmers Academy and extension services. The programme places particular emphasis on youth and women’s participation, while promoting modern, climate-smart farming practices.

Through its partnership with BOA, farmers will receive input loans with repayment made through produce at the end of the farming season. Beyond financing, the partnership also provides extension services designed to improve yields, product quality and long-term sustainability. The collaboration extends beyond sesame production to include rice farmers in Kebbi State and maize and soya bean farmers in Katsina State.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of WACOT Limited, Mr Naveen Chaurasia, said the company’s investment reflects its commitment to building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and global markets.

“At WACOT Limited, part of the TGI Group, we are guided by two clear priorities. Firstly, we are committed to maintaining the international quality standards our customers expect, ensuring nothing compromises the quality of our sesame.

Secondly, as both a buyer and participant across the value chain, we recognise that improving farmers’ livelihoods strengthens the entire ecosystem. When farmers succeed, everyone benefits, and we are proud to continue investing in that shared success.”

The Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, Yosola Onanuga, said the programme continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of farmers. “Over the past seven years, we have consistently invested in building farmers’ capacity through training, extension services and sustainable farming practices. Our partnership with BOA marks another important milestone, enabling us to provide subsidised agri input loan and structured repayment process for farmers, ensuring a sustainable future.”

Representing the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr Ayo Sotinrin, the Executive Director of Operations, Tosin Salami, described the partnership as an example of how collaboration can strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He said: “BOA and our partner WACOT Limited provide the economic support and a long-term commitment that gives real and lasting value. We speak about the real value chain programme, and we provide quality inputs.”

One of the beneficiary farmers, Laure Haladu, from Gagarawa local council, said: “WACOT’s support has transformed the way we farm and earn a living. Through training on good agricultural practices and access to quality inputs, our yields have increased significantly, while skills such as briquette and soap making have provided additional sources of income for women farmers in our communities.”