ASHENEWS reports that Niger Foods has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence the implementation of the National Agricultural Development Scheme in the state.
The MoU, signed at the Government House in Minna on Wednesday, aims to empower 100,000 youths across the state in agriculture.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun explained that the partnership, set to be implemented nationwide, assigns various responsibilities to each party. He stated:
“NALDA will be responsible for land development, Niger Foods will focus on crop production, and the ministry will act as the facilitator by securing grants and funding for social services. The biggest challenge for our farmers is access to land and infrastructure, which is why NALDA is critical. They will also help open up access roads to our villages and create the necessary infrastructure.”
Adigun added that the project targets the cultivation of half a million tonnes of food, which he estimates is valued at about ₦1 trillion. Based on this projection, each beneficiary is expected to earn ₦120,000 per year.
“By year four, we assume that they will earn ₦6 million per year, and by year five, they will reach ₦8 million per year.”
In his remarks, the Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago highlighted the state government’s expectation of a ₦5 trillion investment into its livestock sector through a partnership with the Saudi Arabian government. He noted:
“Our understanding with the Saudi Arabian government is to provide five million rams for Eid at a cost of ₦2.5 trillion for the rams alone.”
He lauded President Tinubu for providing the state with the enabling infrastructure to support the contract and reiterated his commitment to assisting the Federal Government in driving the food security agenda.
Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the project as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to youth development. He remarked:
“This MoU is a fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s promises to the youth. It sends a clear message to Nigerian youth that it is time to shape our own future. We can innovate and stand on our own.”
Olawande also praised the current administration in Niger State for its support of innovative technology in agriculture.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo expressed optimism that the project will help Nigeria achieve its food security goals once implemented.
