Niger State is set to revolutionize its agricultural sector through a strategic collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). In partnership with the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, AGRA has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance policy frameworks and streamline data management for a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

At the heart of this initiative lies a significant financial commitment, with AGRA allocating $280,000 (approximately N476 million) and the Niger State government contributing an additional $27,000 as counterpart funding. The project, formally introduced at an inception meeting in Minna titled “Institutional Strengthening and Enhanced Policy Implementation for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in Niger State,” aims to establish an innovative and coordinated approach to agriculture.

Godswill Aguiyi, AGRA’s Coordinator in Niger State, outlined the project’s goals of bridging policy gaps, modernizing agricultural frameworks, and fostering better collaboration between federal and state ministries. By creating a centralized data system, the initiative seeks to map out opportunities for investments, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

“Many investments in the state are fragmented,” said Aguiyi. “We aim to unify these efforts under a robust data management platform. This system will showcase ongoing activities and highlight opportunities, guiding potential investors and development partners while ensuring alignment with modern realities.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Mathew Ahmed, underscored the importance of the grant in optimizing inter-ministerial collaboration. “This funding will enable us to integrate efforts across ministries, including those focusing on nomadic affairs, trade, water resources, and private sector development,” Ahmed noted. He emphasized the need for updated policies that build on past successes and address existing challenges to align with the state’s agenda for agricultural growth.

Victor Adejoh, the Country Director of Synergos, highlighted the project’s alignment with global climate resilience strategies. “Our aim is not only to modernize agricultural policies but also to address pressing climate issues and enhance accountability and coordination among value chain actors,” Adejoh explained.

The initiative also calls for greater budgetary commitment, with stakeholders urging the Niger State government to allocate at least 10% of its budget to agriculture for impactful and sustainable outcomes.

This collaborative effort is a beacon of hope for Niger State’s agricultural transformation, fostering a cohesive ecosystem where policies, data, and investments converge to unlock the sector’s full potential.