The Niger State Government has signed a multi-billion-dollar Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Benin to expand cotton, maize, and soybean production on a massive scale.
The agreement, sealed in Cotonou, was signed by Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State and witnessed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi. The deal is set to unlock unprecedented opportunities in cross-border agricultural collaboration.
At the heart of the agreement is a bold plan to produce 450,000 tonnes of cotton in Borgu, tapping into Benin’s advanced expertise in cotton farming. The MoU also outlines a 550,000-hectare expansion for maize and soybean cultivation by 2030, driven by crop rotation, mechanization, and irrigation systems. According to projections, the initiative could create over one million jobs while boosting food security and export potential.
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Beyond crop production, the partnership will establish 55 technical centers to train drivers, mechanics, and agronomists, ensuring knowledge transfer and innovation. Farmers will also benefit from subsidized seeds, fertilizers, soil conservation practices, and modern irrigation methods. Joint research efforts between both governments aim to build stronger market systems and enhance agricultural trade across the region.
Governor Bago hailed the pact as “remarkable and unprecedented,” describing it as a game-changer for Niger State’s economic future. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for such international partnerships and praised Benin’s advancements in agricultural development.
Jean Patrick Yekpe, a representative of the Benin government, explained that implementation would follow a phased approach, beginning with 20,000 hectares in the first year, expanding to 50,000 hectares in the second year, and reaching 450,000 hectares by 2030.
With its scale, scope, and economic promise, the MoU is expected to position Niger State and Benin Republic as major players in Africa’s cotton and grain markets, while setting a model for sustainable agricultural collaboration in the region.
