By: TUNDE BOLAJI, MINNA.
The Niger State Government, through Niger Foods Security System and Logistics Company Limited, has signed a land lease agreement with communities in Wushishi Local Government Area of the state aimed at boosting rice production and strengthening food security.
This agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Niger Foods office in Minna, brings together over 100 communities represented by their District Heads, Hakimis, and Village Heads signaling strong grassroots support for the initiative.
Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, who addressed journalists after the signing, described the memorandum of understanding (MoU) as a transformative step for both the state and Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He explained that the project targets an annual production of about 360,000 tons of rice, representing between 7 to 10 percent of Nigeria’s total rice demand.
“This development is not just about food production; it is a complete value chain that will create job opportunities, especially for young people. It will also drive community development through the provision of infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and schools,” Adigun stated.
He further stressed that the initiative aligns with the national goal of achieving food sovereignty and enhancing agricultural capacity, while also empowering communities through employment across the value chain, from farming to factory operations.
Chairman of Wushishi Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Yelwa, commended the state government and Niger Foods for bringing the project to his constituency, pledging his support and commitment to ensuring its success.
In separate remarks, the District Heads of Akere and Zungeru assured of their communities’ readiness to cooperate fully to ensure the project’s success, describing it as a dream that would benefit not just Nigerlites but Nigeria as a whole.
The project is expected to significantly boost rice production, strengthen food security, and deliver socio-economic benefits across Niger State and beyond.
