In a bid to unlock its vast agricultural potential, Kaduna State has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The agreement, which was formalised through a technical cooperation agreement, aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and stimulate socio-economic growth in the state. The partnership will focus on supporting smallholder farmers and transforming the tomato value chain in Kaduna State.
Governor Uba Sani emphasised the importance of agriculture in Kaduna State, noting that it accounts for over 51% of the state’s GDP. “Agriculture is the primary source of income for the majority of our people,” he said. “That is why we allocated about N74 billion or 9.3% of our 2025 budget to agriculture, in our effort to meet the 2014 Malabo Declaration of 10% budgetary allocation to agriculture.”
The governor expressed his hope that the partnership will catalyse the state’s rapid progression towards becoming a leading producer of agricultural products in Nigeria and West Africa. “Kaduna State is one of the leading tomato-producing states in the country,” he said. “It is our hope that this new partnership will catalyse our rapid progression towards attaining and maintaining the coveted top spot as a major producer in Nigeria and West Africa.”
Koffy Kouacou, FAO Country Representative, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to strengthening the entire tomato value chain. “We will focus on enhancing production techniques to improve yields and quality, reduce post-harvest losses through better storage, processing, and infrastructure development,” he said.
Kouacou noted that Kaduna State and Nigeria have the potential to become powerhouses in agricultural production, value addition, and food security. “This signing ceremony represents more than just an agreement; it is a milestone in our shared journey toward sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,” he said.