The Niger State Government has signed a $1.2 billion partnership with AfricaRice to scale up rice production and cut reliance on imports.
The five-year plan, led by Niger Foods Ltd., aims to raise annual output from 1.5 million to 10 million metric tons by 2030. It includes establishing a 5,000-hectare seed farm to produce 25,000 tons of high-quality seeds annually, expanding cultivation to 500,000 hectares, and creating over 100,000 jobs.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the initiative will drive food security and rural prosperity, while AfricaRice pledged technical support and improved seed varieties to ensure sustainable production.