FRI OCT 03 2025-theGBJournal| Niger State Government has signed a multi billion Naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Benin through its SPV, Sonama AG Mech Ltd. for the production of Cotton, Maize and Soya.
The memorandum was signed in Cotonou, Benin Republic with farmer Governor signing on behalf of the State Government while the CEO, Sonama AG Mech Ltd signed on behalf of the Beninese Government.
The memorandum tagged, “Cotton common platform project” will see to the production of 450,000 tons of Cotton in Borgu Region in collaboration with Republic of Benin which will provide all the needed expertise in cotton production with a projection of a high yield production making use of the model implemented in Benin Republic.
The project is also expected to involve the production of Maize and soyabean with an estimated 550,000 hectares of land to be cultivated by 2030 through crop rotation under the memorandum which is projected to create one million jobs, ensure sustainable model, crop rotation mechanisation and irrigation within the ecosystem.
It will also include establishment of 55 technical centres, training of mechanics, drivers, field agronomists while Benin Republic will leverage on the land availability in Niger State and have a joint agriculture research with the State and improve on the agric market system.
The project will equally provide subsidized quality seeds and fertilizers, provide solutions to farmers based on farm size, adoption of soil conservation farming and progressive irrigation schemes.
Farmer Governor Umaru Bago who described the memorandum signed as remarkable and unprecedented, appreciated the Beninese government for collaborating with the State and expressed satisfaction with the developmental strides the Country has attained in agriculture.
He said, his administration remains ambitious to tap from the expertise of the Beninese people in terms of agriculture adding that the State will continue to collaborate with Benin Republic and will partner them in other agric related ventures.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling sub-nationals relate with potential investors overseas which has continued to attract more investments and partnerships.
The Director, Sonama AG Mech Ltd., Jean Patrick Yekpe in a presentation said the objective of the project is to collaborate with the Niger State Government to achieve its potentials in the agricultural sector, noting that the project will also ensure that agriculture is sustained.
He disclosed that the first year is to cover 20,000 hectares of land while the following year is expected to have additional 50,000 hectares, even as it will be gradually increasing to reach the target of cultivating 450,000 hectares by 2030 for the production of cotton, maize and soya all geared towards boosting the agricultural trade of both parties.
The Chairman, Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun in his address described the project as beneficial to the entire Country as it will cut down on the importation of food, while also stating plans to identify locations for the crop production and discuss with the communities where the project will be sited.
He said, 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.
Farmer Governor Umaru Bago was warmly received in Cotonou, Benin Republic by the Benin Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and the Minister of Agriculture, Gaston Dossouhoui.
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