Nigeria Secures $158m To Boost Agriculture, Empower Northern Communities
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In a major step towards revitalising agriculture and tackling poverty, the Nigerian government has signed a $158.15 million financing agreement for the Value Chain North (VCN) Programme.
The initiative targets nine northern states—Borno, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe, Zamfara, and Sokoto and is set to transform rural livelihoods, especially for women, young people, and vulnerable groups.
The programme co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), and Nigeria, aims to promote climate-smart farming, improve access to markets, and create over 30,000 jobs.
Vice President Kashim Shettima described the agreement as a catalyst for economic renewal, urging all stakeholders to support farming communities.
The Minister of agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, noted the project would boost productivity and uplift smallholder farmers.
IFAD officials commended Nigeria’s commitment, stating the programme will directly impact 3.1 million households while State governments pledged full support to ensure its success.
