In a major step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government today signed a $158.15 million financing agreement for the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and empowering smallholder farmers across nine northern states.
The initiative, co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Nigerian government, will focus on improving agricultural productivity, post-harvest handling, and market access for farmers in Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the programme as a fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to combat poverty, restore dignity to farmers, and ensure food security.
“This is an investment in the North—not as a region of deficits, but as a place of abundance,” Shettima declared. “By making wheat, maize, and animal feed viable for commercial cultivation, we are not just securing food—we are laying the groundwork for agricultural exports that can rival our oil.”*
The Vice President emphasized that the VCN will complement the ongoing Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) by providing a steady supply of raw materials, shifting Nigeria from exporting raw produce to value-added goods.
The eight-year programme is expected to directly benefit over 3.1 million household members, with a strong focus on women, youth, and persons with disabilities. IFAD Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, highlighted that the initiative will create over 30,000 jobs, construct 229km of rural roads, and introduce climate-smart agricultural technologies.
“This programme is about rehabilitation, peace, and prosperity,” Shettima added, noting that agriculture serves as both a livelihood and a means of stability in conflict-affected regions.
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, representing the National Assembly, commended the initiative and pledged legislative backing for its success. Meanwhile, Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Dikko Radda (Katsina) lauded the Federal Government’s commitment and urged swift implementation to maximize impact.
Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari described the agreement as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, stressing that the programme will enhance productivity and economic empowerment for rural communities.
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