In a strategic move to transform its agricultural sector, the Nigerian Government has formalized a financing agreement for the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN).
The agreement was signed on Wednesday by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, representing Nigeria, and Bernard Hien, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, representing the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
This marks the commencement of the $158.15 million VCN project, which will immediately begin implementation. The programme aims to enhance value chain development and value addition for farmers across nine northern states.
The initiative is jointly funded by IFAD, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Nigerian Government.
The eight-year programme, officially approved on March 21, 2024, was developed in response to a request made by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS) in Rome on July 24, 2023. During the forum, the Vice President urged IFAD to expand its support for Nigeria’s agri-food systems and to engage additional development partners to advance the country’s food security goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) is designed to significantly reduce poverty, improve nutrition, and strengthen the resilience of rural and vulnerable populations across nine northern states: Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
At the financing agreement signing ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that the project reflects a strategic response to the region’s economic challenges. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to tackling poverty, uplifting farmers, and securing the nation’s food supply.
“This initiative demonstrates our belief in the North not as a region lacking potential, but as one rich in opportunity,” said the Vice President. “It reaffirms our collective duty to combat poverty, enhance nutrition, and restore the dignity of farming communities in the targeted states.”
Shettima noted that the VCN project, backed by a total investment of $158.15 million, is jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Nigerian Government, and other partners. He described it as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering focus on prioritizing people, productivity, and national prosperity.
The Vice President also pointed out that this programme complements the recently launched Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), with the VCN initiative expected to supply these hubs with consistent and quality raw materials.
“This integration will enable Nigeria to transition from exporting unprocessed agricultural goods to exporting value-added products,” Shettima stated. “It will help drive employment, wealth creation, and industrial development.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the federal government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in implementing the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), stating that digital tools will be used to monitor every aspect of the project. These tools will cover everything from farmer registration and input distribution to yield analysis and market access. He noted that in areas where insecurity and migration are driven by unemployment, the VCN will serve as a means to create jobs, boost incomes, and restore dignity.
Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, representing the National Assembly, praised IFAD, the Nigerian government, and development partners for designing a programme that he believes will bring meaningful change to the lives and livelihoods of people in the participating states and beyond. He assured that the National Assembly would provide full support for the implementation of the programme’s various initiatives.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the agreement signing as a key step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stressed that the active involvement of the nine northern states and other vital stakeholders demonstrates a strong commitment from both federal and state levels to inclusive agricultural and economic development.
The Minister expressed confidence that the VCN project will introduce impactful programmes aimed at boosting agricultural output and enhancing the quality of life for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and women across the northern region.
During the event, Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Dikko Radda of Katsina commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their leadership in driving the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) and other related initiatives across the region. They reaffirmed their states’ dedication to supporting the successful implementation of the programme’s goals and called on project implementers to consider adjusting the design and timelines to ensure maximum benefit for the participating states.
Also speaking, Dede Ekoue, Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), described the VCN as a transformative $158.15 million initiative aimed at advancing agribusiness across nine northern states—Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara—over an eight-year period. The programme targets approximately 3.1 million household members.
She highlighted that the initiative is expected to generate over 30,000 jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for youth, women, and vulnerable populations. It will also include the construction of more than 229 kilometers of rural roads to improve access to markets and other essential services.
A key highlight of the event was the formal signing of the Joint Roadmap for Accelerated Start-up between the Federal Government of Nigeria and IFAD, marking a significant step toward swift implementation of the programme.
