AGRA Nigeria and Niger Foods Collaborate to Enhance Agricultural Development in Niger State
By Rashida Abdul Rahman
The AGRA Nigeria country team, along with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, recently visited Niger Foods to highlight ongoing efforts to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
During the visit, Mr. Ola Oloyede, Executive Director of Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, expressed appreciation for AGRA’s support in advancing agriculture within Niger State.
He noted that AGRA’s initiatives have helped farmers adopt modern technologies, reducing post-harvest losses, improving food security, and increasing productivity.
Mr. Oloyede stressed the significance of partnerships in transforming the agricultural landscape through better food handling, storage, and distribution, which benefit both producers and consumers.
He commended AGRA’s dedication to fostering innovation and sustainable farming practices.
Ruqayyah Salihu Ibrahim, AGRA Project Manager at Niger Foods, outlined the company’s implementation of seven policies and sixteen programs aimed at strengthening Niger State’s food system.
These initiatives enhance the entire supply chain, support local farmers, improve food quality, and promote sustainability.
She also highlighted a capacity-building program funded by AGRA that trains participants in utilizing rice bran for feed formulation. Such efforts aim to add value, expand economic opportunities, and promote long-term food security through sustainable methods.
Earlier, Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA Nigeria Country Director, praised Niger Foods’ role in agricultural transformation and emphasized the private sector’s focus on sustainable interventions and business growth.
He highlighted benefits for smallholder farmers, including mechanization, access to finance, capacity building, and better market linkages.
Additionally, Godswill Aguiyi, AGRA’s Coordinating Program Officer for Niger State, shared plans to increase rice competitiveness and farmers’ incomes through the Rice System Project.
He noted that Niger Foods supports market-oriented activities like farmer training to reduce losses and improve storage facilities.
The visit concluded with a tour of a warehouse in Minna, renovated with AGRA’s support, symbolizing the ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
