The Kogi State Government has begun discussions with the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) to foster a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing agribusiness and attracting global investment in agriculture and food security sector in the state.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma who led a delegation to NIRSAL’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Ojoma said the visit was to explore areas of collaboration in line with the development agenda of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to reposition Kogi as Nigeria’s leading agricultural hub through policies that prioritize food sufficiency, commercial farming and agro-processing.
He noted that the administration has taken bold steps in recent months, including investment focused delegations to Abidjan and China, aimed at building partnerships to scale agricultural production and value addition.
“The Governor is determined to position Kogi as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. We are focusing on turning agriculture into a business and creating the enabling environment for investment,” he said.
Mr. Suleiman Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager for Business Development (Northern Region) at NIRSAL, described the meeting as productive and timely.
He commended the Kogi State Government for its investment in agriculture, described the Special Processing Zone in the state as a critical entry point for targeted agricultural interventions.
“Kogi is rich in resources and already showing commitment through its Special Agro-Processing Zone. Once we optimize production and processing, we unlock real value,” he stated.
Ibrahim also disclosed that NIRSAL is awaiting a formal proposal from the state government to kickstart capacity building, data collation, and other steps necessary for unlocking funding and investment into the sector.
He expressed confidence in the vision and structure of the Ododo administration, assuring the Commissioner of NIRSAL’s readiness to collaborate for the benefit of the people of Kogi State.
“We see a serious team, and we are committed to working together to deliver real, measurable impact in the agricultural sector,” he added.