The Niger State Government has signed a multi-billion-dollar Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Benin to expand cotton, maize, and soybean production as part of efforts to boost food security and job creation in the region.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agreement, signed in Cotonou by Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, seeks to deepen cross-border cooperation in mechanisation, irrigation, and agricultural innovation.
Key Details of the MoU
• Cotton: Target of 450,000 tonnes in Borgu, leveraging Benin’s expertise in high-yield cultivation.
• Maize & Soybeans: 550,000 hectares to be dedicated to crop rotation and mechanised farming by 2030.
• Job Creation: One million jobs expected across value chains.
• Technical Hubs: Establishment of 55 centres to train mechanics, drivers, and agronomists, while supplying subsidised seeds and fertilisers.
• Research & Markets: Joint research projects and improved trade systems to enhance agricultural exchange between the two countries.
• Irrigation: Adoption of progressive irrigation techniques to improve sustainability and output.
What They Said
Governor Bago hailed the deal as “remarkable and unprecedented,” stressing Niger State’s commitment to agricultural modernisation and improved livelihoods.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging international agricultural partnerships, describing the pact as a model for regional collaboration.
Representing the Republic of Benin, Jean Patrick Yekpe explained that the project will be rolled out in phases:
• 20,000 hectares in the first year,
• 50,000 hectares in the second year,
• gradual scale-up to 450,000 hectares by 2030.
“This phased approach will ensure sustainability and long-term trade benefits for both countries,” Yekpe said.
Background
Earlier this year, the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security deployed agricultural experts to rural areas to promote innovative farming methods, with support from the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Synergos Nigeria.
The state has also benefited from initiatives such as the African Development Bank-funded ATASP-1, which introduced irrigation canals that allow multiple crop cycles annually.
