Niger State Government has signed a multi billion dollar Memorandum of Understanding 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 Local Government Area of Niger State in collaboration with Republic of Benin which will provide all the needed expertise in cotton production, Since its introduction in the 1960s, cotton has become a cornerstone of Benin’s national economy.

Beninese cotton is world-renowned for its exceptional quality. Thanks to ideal climatic conditions and traditional farming techniques, Beninese cotton offers a long, resistant fiber, perfect for the production of high-quality textiles.

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 mechanization and irrigation within the ecosystem.

Borgu LGA is located in Niger State, Nigeria, bordering the country of Republic of Benin to the west. The populace share the same Cultural Heritage from the historical Borgu Empire.

Benin Republic will leverage on the land availability in Borgu LGA Niger State and have a joint agriculture research and development center with Niger State and improve on the agriculture 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 Niger State and expressed satisfaction with the developmental strides the Country has attained in agriculture. Cotton has become a cornerstone of Benin’s national economy and Beninese cotton is world-renowned for its exceptional quality.
H.E Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago Said the common platform project will serves as a key platform for showcasing Intra-African trade, the exchange of goods and services among African countries supported by African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fostering B2G (Business-to-Government) and B2B (Business-to-Business) exchanges, and connecting businesses, Government and investors to drive this growth.

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.

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.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and the Minister of Agriculture, Gaston Dossouhoui, Hon Minister of State Agric and Food security Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON,Emir Of Borgu and Top Government Officials.