The Kogi State Government has initiated discussions with the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at advancing agribusiness and attracting global investment in the state’s agriculture and food security sectors.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, disclosed this during a visit to NIRSAL’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Hon. Ojoma explained that the visit was part of efforts to align with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s development agenda, which prioritizes food sufficiency, commercial farming, and agro-processing to reposition Kogi as Nigeria’s leading agricultural hub.
“In recent months, we’ve undertaken bold steps, including investment-driven delegations to Abidjan and China, to build partnerships that will scale agricultural production and enhance value addition,” he said.
According to him, the administration is committed to transforming agriculture into a viable business by creating an enabling environment for both local and international investors.
Mr. Suleiman Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager, Business Development (Northern Region) at NIRSAL, described the meeting as both timely and impactful.
He praised the Kogi State Government for its proactive investment in agriculture, highlighting the state’s Special Agro-Processing Zone as a strategic gateway for targeted agricultural interventions.
“Kogi is blessed with vast resources and is already showing strong commitment through its Special Agro-Processing Zone. Once production and processing are optimized, the state will unlock real economic value,” Ibrahim noted.
He added that NIRSAL is awaiting a formal proposal from the state government to commence capacity building, data collation, and other preparatory steps necessary for unlocking funding and investment.
Ibrahim also expressed confidence in the Ododo administration’s vision and governance structure, assuring Hon. Ojoma of NIRSAL’s full support.
“We see a focused and capable team in place, and we’re committed to working together to deliver measurable impact in Kogi’s agricultural sector,” he said.
