The federal government has obtained a 12 billion Japanese Yen (N123.2 billion) credit facility from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with JICA’s Economic Development Department. He stated that the loan would focus on improving rice seed quality, farm input delivery, and extension services while encouraging private sector participation in agricultural input production.
Kyari highlighted that the rice seed project at the National Cereal Research Institute in Niger State is crucial for breeding high-yield, disease-resistant varieties that can withstand climate change. The initiative will also strengthen Nigeria’s seed ecosystem through technical cooperation with the National Agricultural Seed Council.
The project will span 14 states, including Nasarawa, Benue, Osun, Ogun, Kogi, Taraba, Jigawa, and Anambra, aiming to equip smallholder farmers with essential knowledge and skills. The government also plans to use mobile technology to enhance extension services, providing farmers with real-time weather updates, market prices, and pest alerts.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, emphasized the importance of high-quality seeds, reiterating President Bola Tinubu’s stance that “planting the right seed is key to feeding the nation.”
JICA’s Director General, Takao Shimokawa, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting rice production in Nigeria, announcing that the first loan disbursement had already been made. He noted that JICA is proceeding with supervision and monitoring of the funds, with procurement processes for new rice production machinery set to begin.
