Niger State and the Federal Government of Nigeria have joined forces to mobilize N5 billion in counterpart funding for agricultural investment. This significant step aims to improve food security and boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
The partnership, signed between the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Niger State Government, marks a historic moment in the country’s efforts to enhance food production and security. Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, emphasisded the significance of the agreement, saying, “Today’s event remains very historic in our effort to boost agriculture through joint funding of large hectares of land to produce food and improve food security for the benefits of our people in line with our mandate.”
The project aims to produce over 20,000 tons of food, impacting at least 40,000 lives, while creating employment and wealth generation opportunities for smallholder farmers and other communities. Ibrahim noted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating, “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 our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago highlighted the importance of self-reliance in food production, saying, “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.” He emphasised gthat the project would not only enhance food production but also create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of thousands of residents in the state.
