News in Brief:
-Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has signed a $2 billion MoU with Direkci Group, a Turkish company, to boost agriculture in the state.
-The partnership will involve greenhouse farming, poultry and egg production, and soya bean off-taking.
Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Direkci Group, a leading Turkish conglomerate, worth $2 billion.
This strategic partnership is set to revolutionise agriculture in the state through the development of modern greenhouse farming, boosting poultry and egg production, and the off-taking of soya beans.
The Turkish firm will off-take 500,000 tonnes of soya beans annually for 10 years, providing a guaranteed market for Niger State farmers.
Key components of the deal
According to the document, the MoU outlines a comprehensive plan to establish state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities. These facilities will utilise advanced technology to optimise crop yields and quality, ensuring year-round production.
The agreement also includes investments in the construction of large-scale poultry farms, equipped with modern infrastructure and disease prevention measures.
Additionally, it will support local soya bean farmers by establishing efficient supply chains for export to international markets.
Direkci Group managing director, Nurullah Mehmet, said the firm has an enviable record of excellence globally, particularly in agriculture. He also noted the importance of Niger State in terms of agriculture in Nigeria.
Governor Umaru Bago mentioned that this collaboration could be a game-changer for Niger State by reducing unemployment and boosting food security. It is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction.
Other benefits include increased agricultural production which will enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports; generation of valuable foreign exchange for the state; and the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies, leading to improved farming practices and productivity.
Overall, Governor Bago expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it represents a significant step forward in the state’s development. He sees it as a catalyst for sustainable agricultural growth and prosperity in Niger State.
