Niger State says it is rolling out major agricultural reforms designed to position the state as Nigeria’s foremost food-producing hub. The commitment was restated at a meeting of the Niger State Council on Agriculture in Minna, held in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and Niger Foods. The meeting focused on how to drive transformative and sustainable reforms by closing the policy-to-impact gap that has slowed agricultural progress over the years.
The state government explained that it is no longer waiting for the future of agriculture but actively shaping it through deliberate planning and sustained investments. It described the council as the most important policy platform for agriculture in the state and noted that food security has become central to national debates because of its impact on stability, economic growth and long-term peace. The administration reaffirmed that it is committed to shifting the state toward large-scale production that can feed both local and national markets.
The meeting reviewed recent federal interventions, including the launch of an agricultural mechanisation drive under the national food security emergency programme. Niger State said it has aligned fully with these efforts by signing agreements with international partners and a major processing facility expected to handle about forty-two metric tonnes of rice per hour. This, according to the government, places the state on a path toward becoming one of Nigeria’s top rice-producing centres.
Officials added that the state has already attracted billions of naira in agricultural investments. These funds are supporting mechanisation, land development, irrigation expansion, livestock improvement, value addition and the deployment of modern agricultural technology. Stakeholders were encouraged to recommend practical solutions to close systemic gaps, particularly those affecting smallholder farmers whose productivity is crucial to the state’s food system. For MSMEs in the agricultural value chain, especially millers, aggregators, logistics providers, agro-input dealers and small processors, the reform push is expected to expand opportunities, create predictable markets and improve access to inputs and financing.
At the forum, the state’s Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the role of ongoing support programmes in helping farmers access flood- and drought-resistant inputs capable of reducing the effects of climate change. The ministry commended the current administration for creating stronger incentives for young people and small farmers to participate in agricultural activities, describing the renewed interest as unprecedented.
Traditional institutions also backed the reforms, calling for strengthened extension services that can deliver timely advice to farmers while ensuring that inputs remain accessible and affordable. These measures, they noted, are essential for improving yield, stabilising rural livelihoods and supporting the wider market ecosystem where many small enterprises operate.
Niger Foods expressed readiness to support the state’s ambition of becoming Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse. The organisation noted improvements recorded in soil health, seed distribution, climate-smart practices, financing and market access. It added that achieving food security in Niger State would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s broader quest for national food sufficiency and strengthen value chains that MSMEs rely on for survival and growth.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to state officials, development partners, and sector leaders for their contributions to agricultural advancement in Niger State.
