The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Niger State government have signed a N5 billion co-financing agreement to boost food security and agricultural productivity. The initiative will support large-scale rice and maize production across 4,000 hectares in Niger State.
The partnership aims to produce over 20,000 tons of food, impact at least 40,000 lives, and create employment for smallholder farmers and local communities. Both NADF and the Niger State government will contribute N2.5 billion each to fund the project.
At the signing event, NADF Executive Secretary Muhammed Abu Ibrahim described the agreement as a landmark step in strengthening agriculture through joint funding. “This initiative aligns with our mandate to improve food security and create wealth for smallholder farmers,” he stated.
Governor Umar Mohammed Bago emphasized the need for self-reliance in food production, citing Niger State’s vast natural resources. “With abundant rain, water bodies, and arable land, we must utilize these assets productively. This initiative, anchored by Niger Foods, is a bold step toward food sovereignty,” he said.
The project builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, paving the way for long-term agricultural development. With this investment, Niger State aims to enhance food production, generate employment, and improve livelihoods, contributing to Nigeria’s broader goal of self-sufficiency in food production.
