The Niger State Government has set an ambitious target to harvest 360,000 metric tonnes of rice in the next dry season, partnering with farming communities in Wushishi Local Government Area to drive the initiative.
The project, spearheaded by Niger Food and Security Logistics Limited, marks a major step toward transforming the state’s agricultural landscape. As part of the arrangement, the company has signed a land lease agreement with local farmers, represented by their district, village, and ward heads, to ensure seamless implementation and community participation.
According to a statement by the company’s Information Officer, Hajia Rashidat Abdulrahman, the Chairman of Niger Foods Limited, Mr. Sammy Adigun, described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as “a transformative step for both Niger State and Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
Mr. Adigun explained that the initiative extends beyond food production, representing a comprehensive agricultural value chain designed to create jobs, particularly for young people, and stimulate local development.
“This project will drive community growth through the provision of infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and schools,” he stated, adding that it also aligns with the national vision of achieving food sovereignty and enhancing agricultural capacity.
He noted that the dry-season project is expected to significantly boost rice output, strengthen food security, and deliver broad socio-economic benefits across the state and beyond.
Chairman of Wushishi Local Government Area, Alhaji Mohammed Yelwa, lauded the state government and Niger Foods for initiating the project, pledging his full support to ensure its successful implementation.
Also speaking, the District Heads of Akere and Zungeru expressed their communities’ readiness to cooperate with the government and investors, describing the initiative as “a long-awaited dream that will benefit not just Nigerlites but the entire nation.”
