The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, and Tropical General Investments, TGI Group, have signed a three-year partnership to support over 5,000 farmers and generate more than 10,000 jobs in Cross River and Benue states.

The programme will be delivered through TGI’s agribusiness arm, WACOT Limited. It will target refugees,Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and host communities, with an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 people set to benefit.

Farmers in vulnerable communities will receive improved seeds and inputs, technical training, certification, and direct market linkages for rice, maize, sesame, soya, and cocoa.

The launch comes as UNHCR’s new Global Trends report shows 117.8 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide — 1 in every 70 people. Nigeria hosts over 3.8 million forcibly displaced people, while Nigerians make up 3.5% of the world’s displaced population.

UNHCR Nigeria Representative Arjun Jain said the project marks a shift “from aid to opportunity.”

“TGI and UNHCR are connecting displaced people to jobs, skills, and markets so they can rebuild their lives with dignity and contribute to the economy. We are immensely grateful to TGI for their vision and leadership.”

TGI Group’s Habiba Sulaiman said the deal supports inclusive growth:

“This partnership strengthens our supply chains while creating real economic opportunities for communities affected by displacement.”

Work is already underway, with government and community consultations and soil sampling completed.

The agreement expands on a 2024 UNHCR-TGI partnership and signals a move toward market-based solutions that reduce reliance on aid.