FG, IFAD Seal $158m Deal to Boost Northern Agriculture
The Federal Government on Wednesday signed a $158.15 million financing agreement for the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), with implementation to begin across nine states.
The eight-year programme is co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Government of Nigeria. It is set to support value chain development, food production, and rural farming in Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.
At the signing ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative represents a “declaration of faith in the North—not as a region of deficits, but as a place of abundance.”
“What has brought us together today is an investment of \$158.15 million, co-financed by IFAD, AFD, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and other stakeholders. This reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising what matters most—people, productivity, and prosperity,” Shettima stated.
He said the VCN aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would support the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs).
“This synergy will shift us from exporting raw produce to exporting value-added goods—creating jobs, wealth, and industrial stability,” he said.
Shettima also mentioned the need for local production.
“For a nation that has long relied on food imports, the message is clear: we must grow what we eat and produce what we trade,” he said. “The VCN answers this call. By making wheat, maize, and animal feed viable for commercial cultivation, and by investing in irrigation, processing, and storage facilities… we are laying the groundwork for agricultural exports that can rival our oil.”
He said the programme is aimed at reaching underserved groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and returnees, especially in areas affected by conflict.
“Agriculture is not just a livelihood; it is rehabilitation,” Shettima said, adding that digital tools will be used to track the programme’s progress.
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan called the programme “a well-thought-out initiative that will transform the lives and livelihoods of many in the target states,” and said the National Assembly will support it.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said the agreement is a step forward in efforts to improve agriculture in Nigeria.
Speaking for the governors, Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno, Alhaji Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Alhaji Dikko Radda of Katsina called for a review of the programme’s design and implementation timeline.
The Country Director of IFAD, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, said the programme will target 3.1 million household members and focus on climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest handling, financial access, digital tools, and agripreneurship.
“Expected results include over 30,000 jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, and construction of more than 229km of rural roads to enhance market access,” she said.
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