North West Development Commission (NWDC) has begun the process of sign ing a $200 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive agriculture development and commercial farming across the North-West, in a move it projects will overhaul the region’s entire value chain.
The tripartite pact involves the commission, Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development Limited and Pearless Advisory Limited. According to the partners, the plan will empower local farmers with modern technologies to boost yields, stimulate the livestock sector, and position Nigeria as a major player in global livestock production.
Presenting the MoU document at the Commission’s office in Abuja over the weekend, the NWDC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to unlock the region’s agricultural potential.
“By design, the President has given us a mandate to unlock the opportunities in agriculture, in totality. In fact, because of his passion for agriculture, he established a ministry for livestock, and we are having a lot of initiatives, partnering with the livestock ministry, most especially in the Northwest region, where we have a lot of cattle for rearing,” Prof. Ma’aji said.
He added that the Commission would strengthen collaboration with development partners to maximise opportunities. “We want to unlock the potential opportunities we have in the region.
So, the North West Development Commission is pleased to announce its commitment to partnering with Shanghai. Shanghai is coming with a large amount of money to invest in agriculture and the agricultural sectors in general, adding value to all sectors of agriculture.
Talk less of livestock, where we appreciate His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ahmed Tinubu, in looking at the North West, and said, ‘Don’t waste your cattle.
Take them the best way you can add value to them.”
Prof. Ma’aji said the Commission’s target is to ensure citizens benefit from the Federal Government’s efforts to improve livelihoods.
“We have a population of about 50 million in the Northwest, seven states, and about 7 million youths roaming the streets. So, we want to convert them into wealth using agricultural extension workers by providing them with skills in farm activities.
So, coming with this tremendous amount of money, we will use it judiciously and transparently. We’re going to use it with accountability. So, we want to tell the general public that integrity is our watchword, and then transparency, honesty, and sincerity should be displayed to our partners,” he said.
He also assured prospective investors of an enabling environment: ” The Federal government is willing to give some concessions to ensure that businesses are encouraged and motivated.
So the signing of this MOU signifies the commencement of what we are looking for, almost a trillion Naira within this period to show the president that we are really serious, and we are not going to disappoint him,” he said.
Regarding the following steps, Prof. Ma’aji disclosed that the Commission’s legal team would review the document and advise on its execution.
“We are very sure that within two weeks from now, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will be concluded,” he assured.
Speaking for the partners, Kunle Dawodu, managing partner of Pearless Advisory Limited, commended the NWDC for opening its doors to collaboration, noting that the project would focus on commercial and smart farming.
“It’s a pleasure to work with you, particularly on the MoU. We look forward to a final execution and getting it to fruition, particularly regarding commercial farming.
We are looking at smart farming, not just mechanised farming. We will bring the latest cutting-edge technology from China to the North West Development Commission because we see it as the perfect partner.
When it comes to the youth population, land mass, agricultural products, cash crops, and even livestock, you are the perfect partner,” Dawodu said.
He added that the benefits would extend beyond the partners and the Commission.
“We can assure you that it will be beneficial not just to us and the commission but also to the country as a whole, in terms of food security and non-oil export potential,” he said.
The Commission said the planned $200m investment is expected to catalyse activities from primary production to processing and market access, with a particular push in livestock, even as it moves to convert youth energy into productive agribusiness ventures.
