The Nasarawa State Government has successfully obtained a $370,000 grant from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to accelerate the state’s agricultural advancement and boost food security.

The announcement was made at the inaugural meeting of the Nasarawa State Capability for Inclusive Agriculture Transformation project held in Lafia. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural framework, enhance productivity, and create a sustainable ecosystem for farmers.

AGRA’s Commitment to Agricultural Development

AGRA’s Country Director, Mr. Rufus Idris, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that local farmers play a pivotal role in the process. Over the past 17 years, AGRA has supported agricultural development across Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna and Niger States. Through its interventions, over one million smallholder farmers in the country have benefited from AGRA’s expertise and resources.

Idris highlighted the importance of the collaboration with Nasarawa State, emphasizing its strategic role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He commended the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule for its progressive policies aimed at elevating agricultural productivity and food security.

Nasarawa’s Vision for Agricultural Growth

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Umar Abdullahi—represented by the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Authority (NASIDA), Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi—expressed profound appreciation for AGRA’s continued support. He reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy due to its predominantly agrarian population.

“Nasarawa’s Economic Development Strategy is designed to transition the state from traditional subsistence farming to a commercially viable agricultural sector. This shift is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth,” Abdullahi stated.

He further noted that the grant will significantly contribute to the state’s ongoing agricultural reforms, which have been in place since 2019 under Governor Sule’s leadership.

Roadmap for Implementation

Dr. Charles Iyangbe, CEO of Jesnoch International, outlined that the project is scheduled to run from January 2025 to June 2027. It will operate within the institutional framework of agribusiness, facilitating the development of an updated State Agricultural Policy document to guide sustainable agricultural transformation.

With this substantial investment, Nasarawa State is poised to strengthen its agricultural value chain, empower farmers with the necessary resources, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security agenda.