Niger State Government Forges Transformative Agricultural Alliance with Bayer AG
In a significant stride towards agricultural transformation, the Government of Niger State, through Niger Foods, has inked a momentous ten-year Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bayer AG. The historic agreement, signed during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC, USA, heralds a new era of agricultural innovation and sustainability in Niger State and Nigeria at large.
Bayer AG, a global leader in Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Agriculture, brings over 150 years of expertise in providing tailored solutions to farmers worldwide. With a shared vision of ‘Feeding the Nation’ and ‘Health for All, Hunger for None,’ the partnership aims to revolutionize agricultural practices, enhance productivity, and promote market focus within Niger State and Nigeria.
His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Farmer Governor of Niger State, and Matthias Berninger, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability at Bayer Global, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the alliance. The partnership envisions bolstering environmental resilience, ensuring food safety, and fostering economic growth through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
Niger Foods, under the visionary leadership of Governor Bago, is poised to spearhead efficient, profitable agricultural practices, with a focus on maize, soya beans, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables. Leveraging Bayer AG’s commitment to innovative agricultural solutions, the partnership aims to enhance food security, improve farmers’ well-being, and promote environmental sustainability.
Commencing in July 2024, Bayer AG will play a pivotal role in facilitating development financing essential for the phased implementation strategy guided by the 1/10/100 strategy. The initiative targets the engagement of 2,000,000 farmers by 2030 and the utilization of approximately 500,000 hectares of land, ensuring scalable and sustainable growth.
The partnership between Bayer AG and Niger Foods holds promise for unlocking Niger State’s potential as a leader in sustainable agricultural production and agribusiness in Nigeria. By harnessing the state’s agricultural capabilities and commitment to sustainability, the alliance is poised to significantly impact food security, economic development, and the well-being of local communities, paving the way for a prosperous agricultural future for households, youth, and women in Nigeria.
