The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Niger State government have signed a co-financing agreement of N5b, for a large scale production of maize and rice in the state.

This co- financing agreement involves each partner providing N2.5b to fund a large-scale mixed cropping initiative for the primary production of rice and maize across 4,000 hectares.

The initiative is targeted at supporting 4000 smallholder farmers across three Local Councils in the state.

Under the agreement, NADF is expected to provide technical advice, monitor and evaluate the project, while Niger Foods Company off take the produce, as well as enhance market access for the farmers.

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Abu Ibrahim while highlighting the importance of the strategic partnership, said the agreement is part of efforts to boost agriculture through joint funding of large hectares of land to produce food and improve food security for the benefits of the people in line with their mandate.

He stated that this agreement is aimed at producing over 20,000 tons of food and impacting at least 40,000 lives while creating employment and wealth generation for smallholder farmers and other demography in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, emphasised the critical need for self-reliance in food production, “In line with the President’s Food Security Initiative, it is imperative for us to achieve food sovereignty. We have abundant resources-rain, water bodies, and arable land – and must put them to productive use. This initiative, anchored by Niger Foods, represents a bold step in the right direction,” he said.

The governor noted that the N5b project, co-funded equally by NADF and the Niger State Government, will not only enhance food production but also create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of thousands of residents of the state as a testament to the shared commitment to feeding the people and securing a prosperous future for Niger State and Nigeria.

Recall that NADF and the Niger State government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year, leading to the signing of funding agreement between NADF, Niger Foods, and the Niger State government, setting the stage for transformative growth towards achieving food security and self-sufficiency in the country.