The Niger State government has signed a strategic pact with AfricaRice Farm Centre in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire, worth over $1.2 billion to boost rice production in the state.

According to a statement issued in Minna by the spokesperson for the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim, Niger State Foods Ltd. will drive investment over the next five years.

Ibrahim highlighted that the partnership aims to increase Niger State’s annual paddy rice output from 1.5 million metric tonnes to 10 million metric tonnes by 2030, focusing on the development and adoption of climate-smart rice production and processing technologies, as well as innovative agricultural practices tailored to the state’s agro-ecological conditions.

He explained that the agreement involves a 5,000-hectare breeder, foundation, and certified seeds farm to be established to produce 25,000 tonnes of the highest quality seeds for cultivation on 500,000 hectares, comprising new modern commercial farms on 100,000 hectares and micro, small, and medium-sized rice farms on 40,000 hectares across the state, employing over 100,000 persons of rice farms to produce 10 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

He indicated that AfricaRice, a notable member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), will deploy experts and technology as well as bring global development partners to Niger State to support this project.

Earlier, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the partnership as a milestone initiative that reaffirms the government’s commitment to achieving rice self-sufficiency, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

He expressed confidence that the partnership with Africa Rice will deepen the transformation efforts of his administration and position the state as a rice production powerhouse, contributing significantly to Nigeria and Africa’s food security architecture.

The governor maintained that, through collaboration, innovation, investment, and inclusive policies, Africa can build a future where it will not only feed itself but also the world.

Bago and his entourage toured the rice farms of AfricaRice, where they were impressed with the level of commitment to rice production.

AfricaRice commended the governor for his remarkable strides in agricultural development in Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.