The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a $158.15 million agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support smallholder farmers across nine northern states, in a landmark initiative aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and improving rural livelihoods.
The agreement was formalized during a meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with several northern state governors and deputy governors in attendance.
This eight-year initiative—part of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda—follows Vice President Shettima’s request during the 2023 UN Food Systems Summit in Rome for IFAD to scale up its investment in Nigeria’s agri-food sector and mobilize additional partners.
Targeting Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara States, the programme aims to boost food production, reduce rural poverty, improve nutrition, and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice President Shettima described the programme as “a declaration of faith in the North—not as a region of deficits, but of potential and abundance.”
“This investment, co-financed by IFAD, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Federal Government, and other stakeholders, reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing people, productivity, and prosperity,” he said.
He emphasized the programme’s role in supporting the recently launched Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), providing a steady flow of quality raw materials and helping shift Nigeria from exporting raw produce to value-added agricultural exports.
Shettima also stressed the inclusive focus of the programme, noting that it will prioritize underserved groups—women, youth, persons with disabilities, and returnees—while using digital tools to ensure transparency and traceability across the value chain.
“In regions where joblessness fuels insecurity and migration, this initiative provides vehicles for enterprise, income, and dignity,” he said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the signing as a milestone in the Tinubu administration’s effort to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the collaborative commitment between the federal government and participating states to inclusive agricultural development and rural empowerment.
Governors of Borno, Jigawa, and Katsina—Prof. Babagana Zulum, Alhaji Umar Namadi, and Alhaji Dikko Radda respectively—commended the leadership of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. They pledged their states’ full support and called for flexibility in the programme’s design and timelines to maximize its impact.
In her remarks, IFAD Country Director Mrs. Dede Ekoue said the programme is designed to transform agribusiness in the target states over eight years, directly benefiting around 3.1 million household members.
She outlined key areas of focus, including climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest value addition, access to financial and business development services for youth and women, and expansion of digital solutions to enhance productivity.
Ekoue added that the initiative is expected to create over 30,000 jobs, develop entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable groups, and construct over 229km of rural roads to improve market access.
She lauded the Nigerian government’s commitment and urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to achieve the programme’s objectives and contribute to national economic growth.
