Niger State Government has signed a multi-billion dollar Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Benin through its Special Purpose Vehicle, Sonama AG Mech Ltd., for the production of cotton, maize, and soya.
The agreement was signed in Cotonou, Benin Republic, with Farmer Governor Umaru Bago signing on behalf of Niger State Government, while the Chief Executive Officer of Sonama AG Mech Ltd. signed on behalf of the Beninese Government.
The memorandum, tagged “Cotton Common Platform Project,” will see the production of 450,000 tons of cotton in Borgu Region, in collaboration with the Republic of Benin which will provide the needed expertise in cotton production. The project is designed to ensure a high yield output using the model already implemented in Benin Republic.
Alongside cotton, the project will also cover the cultivation of maize and soyabean with an estimated 550,000 hectares of land to be cultivated by 2030 through crop rotation. This initiative is expected to create one million jobs, ensure a sustainable agricultural model, and promote mechanisation and irrigation practices within the ecosystem.
It will further involve the establishment of 55 technical centres, training of mechanics, drivers, and field agronomists. The Republic of Benin will leverage the land availability in Niger State, engage in joint agricultural research with the State, and work towards improving the agricultural market system.
The project will also provide subsidized quality seeds and fertilizers, develop solutions for farmers based on farm size, and encourage adoption of soil conservation farming alongside progressive irrigation schemes.
Speaking on the development, Farmer Governor Umaru Bago described the memorandum as remarkable and unprecedented. He appreciated the Beninese Government for partnering with Niger State and expressed satisfaction with the agricultural strides of Benin Republic.
“Our administration remains ambitious to tap from the expertise of the Beninese people in agriculture,” Bago said. “We will continue to collaborate with the Republic of Benin and partner them in other agric-related ventures.”
The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling sub-nationals to engage with potential investors overseas, a move which he said continues to attract more investments and partnerships for Nigeria.
The Director of Sonama AG Mech Ltd., Jean Patrick Yekpe, in his presentation, said the objective of the project is to support Niger State in reaching its full potential in agriculture. He noted that the initiative will also guarantee sustainability in agricultural production.
According to him, the project will commence with 20,000 hectares of land in the first year, followed by an additional 50,000 hectares in the second year. The cultivated land will continue to increase annually, reaching 450,000 hectares by 2030. The cultivation of cotton, maize, and soya will be central to the plan, aimed at boosting agricultural trade between both parties.
The Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, also described the project as highly beneficial to the country. He explained that it will significantly cut down on food importation while boosting local production. He further disclosed that locations for crop production would be identified and discussions will be held with communities where the project will be sited.
“The State will use the vast arable land of Borgu and its waters to cash in on the project that is expected to yield about 739 million dollars yearly,” Adigun said.
Governor Bago was warmly received in Cotonou by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Republic, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and the Minister of Agriculture, Gaston Dossouhoui.