The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is increasing the level of agricultural activities in the country through the encouragement of private farms. This has also contributed to the increase in food production. As part of the efforts, NALDA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited for the management and implementation of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate project.
The development is a new phase in the Federal Government’s efforts to boost food production and build sustainable agricultural communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, NALDA’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo, described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at making agriculture more attractive, profitable, and youth-driven.
He revealed that the project has commenced in Ora (Kwara State), Ilawe (Ekiti State), and Bauchi State, with Arzikin Noma serving as the private agribusiness anchor for the Ora site. Under the agreement, Arzikin Noma will finance participating farmers, while NALDA provides land preparation and infrastructure, including hostels, warehouses, administrative blocks, police stations, and recreational facilities.
“This is the era of sexy agriculture, and NALDA is at the forefront of this mandate,” Adebayo said. He added , “These mega farm estates are designed as 5,000-hectare clusters that make farming a dignified and attractive business for young Nigerians.”
He noted that each farmer under the scheme would cultivate about five hectares, supported by a mechanisation hub offering tractor and equipment services. Payments for these services would be deducted post-harvest through a digital wallet system, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The NALDA boss said the project is designed to create jobs and develop the local economy as well as improve the standard of the host communities.
Adebayo also highlighted ongoing NALDA collaborations with various partners, including the Anambra State Government, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and Agbeyewa Farms (Ekiti), as well as a partnership with the Nigerian Sugar Development Council to promote commercial sugarcane farming.
“We are a government agency that honours its agreements. This partnership is another proof that NALDA delivers on its promises,” he said, urging private players in oil, gas, and telecoms to invest in agriculture.
Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Michael Adeshola, hailed the collaboration as a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s food system.
“With NALDA’s mandate to open over 10 million hectares in 10 years, Nigeria is closer than ever to achieving food sovereignty,” Adeshola said, adding that “This partnership will advance climate-smart agriculture, create jobs, and make Nigeria a food hub for Africa.”
He added that through such partnerships, multinationals that once imported 70% of their raw materials have now reduced that dependency to about 30%, with Nigeria moving steadily toward self-sufficiency and agricultural exports.
The MoU signing coincided with World Food Day, underscoring the partnership’s alignment with global efforts to combat hunger and promote sustainable food systems.