NIGER STATE FGN/IFAD VCDP+AF PRESENTS ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT TO STEERING COMMITTEE.
The Niger State FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP+AF) has presented a comprehensive summary of its achievements to members of the State Steering Committee, reaffirming its dedication to boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods across the state.
The meeting, held in Minna, gathered key stakeholders from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to review progress and plan the next steps.
The Steering Committee was chaired by Dr. Mathew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, who represented the Honourable Commissioner.
In her presentation, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, State Programme Coordinator of the Niger State Programme Management Unit (SPMU), highlighted major milestones reached in key value chains like rice and cassava. She stressed that the program continues to meet its goals of supporting smallholder farmers, increasing market access, and boosting agribusiness despite operational challenges.
Hajiya Hadizat outlined advancements in areas such as farmer training, providing climate-smart agricultural inputs, rehabilitating rural infrastructure, and fostering public–private partnerships.
She noted that the VCDP+AF has empowered thousands of beneficiaries through training, enterprise support, and the adoption of improved technologies, resulting in higher productivity and income.
She also praised the commitment of the Niger state government under the leadership of the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, along with the steadfast support of IFAD and the Federal Government, calling them vital to the program’s success.
She highlighted that ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential for maintaining these achievements.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, praised the program’s accomplishments and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving policies and creating a favorable environment for agricultural growth.
He also urged the Steering Committee members to continue offering strategic guidance to help the program reach its overall objectives.
Committee members expressed satisfaction with the progress and encouraged the SPMU to keep the momentum as the program enters its next phase.
The Niger State FGN/IFAD VCDP+AF continues to play a vital role in transforming rural agriculture, improving food security, and empowering vulnerable farming households across the state.
