The partnership agreement marks a significant collaboration between the Niger Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Niger State Government, with each contributing ₦2.5 billion to finance a large-scale mixed cropping project. This initiative focuses on rice and maize production across 4,000 hectares and aims to benefit 4,000 smallholder farmers in three local government areas of Niger State.

Under the agreement, NADF will provide technical advisory services, project monitoring, and evaluation, while Niger Foods Company will handle off-take and market access responsibilities.

The signing ceremony was attended by NADF Executive Secretary Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, the Managing Director of Niger Foods Company, and other key stakeholders. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Abu Ibrahim stated, “This event is historic as we jointly fund large-scale agricultural projects to boost food production and improve food security, in line with our mandate. We are thrilled to witness the first agricultural financing agreement with Niger State and Niger Foods Limited.”

The NADF Executive Secretary further emphasized the impact of the ₦5 billion initiative, noting that it is designed to produce over 20,000 tons of food, impact at least 40,000 lives, and create employment opportunities, particularly for smallholder farmers. He linked the project to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Bago highlighted the need for self-reliance in food production, aligning with the President’s food security goals. “With our abundant resources, water bodies, and arable land, we must achieve food sovereignty. This initiative, led by Niger Foods, is a bold step in the right direction,” he said.

The Governor also noted that the ₦5 billion project, co-funded by NADF and the Niger State Government, will not only boost food production but also create jobs and improve livelihoods, reinforcing a shared commitment to securing a prosperous future for Niger State and Nigeria.

This agreement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year between NADF and the Niger State Government, paving the way for transformative growth aimed at achieving food security and self-sufficiency in Nigeria.