Niger State Aims for Food Leadership with Broad Agricultural Reforms
Niger State Government states it is leading extensive agricultural reforms to position the state as Nigeria’s top food producer.
Governor Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yusuf Sadiq, announced this at the Niger State Council on Agriculture meeting in Minna, supported by AGRA and Niger Foods.
He called the council the state’s highest forum for agricultural policy-making, emphasizing that food security has become vital for national stability and economic growth. Bago said his administration is intentionally shaping agriculture’s future through strategic planning and ongoing investment.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, represented by Executive Director Mrs. Patience Koku, stated that Niger State has shifted from simply being a farming state to an agricultural powerhouse, utilizing its 11% share of Nigeria’s land area and highly agrarian population.
She further revealed that, through close collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners like AGRA, and other key stakeholders, Niger Foods is working to boost productivity, foster grassroots trust, and support smallholder farmers to grow into medium and large-scale producers.
Mrs. Koku added that Niger Foods continues providing inputs to thousands of farmers, supporting irrigation and agricultural infrastructure development, and attracting private-sector investments needed to advance the sector.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the State Council’s dedication to transforming the agricultural sector through sustainable and innovative reforms.
He underscored the importance of closing the gap between policy and results by tackling systemic issues such as low productivity, poor infrastructure, and climate change challenges.
Dr. Ahmed also stated that better coordination, partnership building, and accountability are crucial for successful agricultural development in Niger State.
These efforts aim to boost productivity, improve financial access for farmers and SMEs, and promote sustainable farming practices to uplift livelihoods across the state.
Representing AGRA, Dr. Rufus Idris stressed the organization’s steadfast commitment to strengthening Africa’s food systems by supporting farmers, the private sector, and key institutions driving agricultural transformation.
He pointed out that AGRA’s focus areas include improving soil health, increasing access to quality and affordable seeds, and helping farmers build resilience against climate impacts. Through partnerships, AGRA ensures farmers receive essential services, innovative technologies, renewable energy solutions, and knowledge to withstand environmental shocks.
According to him, a common question at meetings with other AGRA country directors or during global events is: “When will Nigeria step up as the big brother of Africa?” He emphasized that achieving food sovereignty and security in Nigeria would have a ripple effect across the continent. Likewise, success in Niger State would significantly influence Nigeria’s overall food security. This is why AGRA has maintained close partnerships with the Niger State Government for many years, supporting various initiatives across the agricultural value chain.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Chairman of Niger Foods, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing the state’s agricultural transformation.
