Niger State Government has entered a multi-billion-dollar agreement with the Republic of Benin to expand cotton and food production in the state. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Cotonou through the state’s Special Purpose Vehicle, Sonama AG Mech Ltd., will underpin the “Cotton Common Platform Project,” targeting 450,000 tonnes of cotton output in the Borgu region.
Under the pact, Benin Republic will provide technical expertise in cotton farming, while Niger State will make land and resources available for the initiative. By 2030, about 550,000 hectares are expected to be cultivated using crop rotation with cotton, maize, and soybeans.
Governor Mohammed Bago described the agreement as “remarkable and unprecedented,” highlighting Benin’s progress in agriculture. “We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling sub-national governments to engage potential investors overseas, attracting more partnerships,” he said.
The Director of Sonama AG Mech Ltd., Jean Yekpe, explained that cultivation will start with 20,000 hectares in the first year, expand to 50,000 hectares in the following year, and gradually reach 450,000 hectares by 2030. Niger Foods Chairman, Sammy Adigun, said the project is expected to reduce food importation and generate about $739 million annually.
The initiative is projected to create one million jobs, expand mechanisation and irrigation, and establish 55 technical centres for training agronomists, mechanics, and drivers.
Governor Bago was received in Cotonou by Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Bakari, and Minister of Agriculture, Gaston Dossouhoui. The development was confirmed in a statement signed by Adamu Mashegu, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the SSG of Niger State.
