The Jigawa State Government has entered a major agricultural partnership with the AfricaRice Centre to boost rice production and unlock over $1 billion in long-term farmer prosperity. The signing took place in Côte d’Ivoire, where Governor Umar Namadi led the state delegation to formalize the five-year Memorandum of Understanding at the AfricaRice headquarters in Abidjan. He was joined by the Jigawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkadir Fanini, along with other senior officials who witnessed the agreement.
The state explained that the partnership aligns with its broader plan to strengthen food security, support farmer livelihoods, and position Jigawa as one of Nigeria’s top rice hubs. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Namadi said the collaboration represents a new chapter for local farmers. He described the MoU as “a deliberate investment in the future of our farmers, ensuring they have access to superior seed varieties, modern technology, and the knowledge they need to succeed.”
Under the agreement, AfricaRice will supply high-quality, climate-resilient seeds to help farmers achieve strong yields despite challenging weather conditions. Jigawa farmers and extension workers will also receive training on climate-smart farming, including water-efficient methods designed to increase productivity and protect the environment.
The partnership further focuses on value addition, introducing advanced post-harvest technologies such as upgraded parboiling systems and training on more than 26 rice-based products, helping farmers increase income and reduce losses.
