Addis ababa: The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is set to expedite the launch of the Value Chain Development Programme in Northern Nigeria. This announcement was made by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a bilateral meeting with an IFAD delegation led by its President, Mr. Alvaro Lario, on the sidelines of the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice-President highlighted that the program aims to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities by increasing their incomes and access to food. Shettima emphasized the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to implementing reforms and initiatives designed to alleviate poverty and bolster food security across the nation.
Shettima further stressed that the Tinubu-led government is determined to strengthen its partnership with IFAD to build the trust of the Nigerian populace. He expressed profound gratitude for the ongoing support from IFAD, noting the administration’s interest in extending the Special Agro-Processing Zones to additional states within Nigeria. He underscored the urgency of launching the Value Chain Development Programme, citing Nigeria’s rapidly growing population and the importance of investing in the youth.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, also expressed his appreciation for IFAD’s longstanding support, acknowledging the tangible successes of its projects in Nigeria. He praised the contributions of IFAD’s Regional Director and Country Director, Dr. Dede Ekoue, in driving these initiatives forward.
Earlier, Mr. Lario assured that IFAD is committed to accelerating the implementation of the value chain development program in Northern Nigeria, pending the finalization of the financing agreement. He stated that once this agreement is signed, the program’s implementation can proceed swiftly to meet the high demand and needs in the region. Lario also mentioned that IFAD plans to mobilize additional financing for Nigeria, drawing from climate funds, other multilateral agencies, and supportive governments.
The positive relationship between Nigeria and IFAD continues to flourish, with Mr. Lario planning a visit to Nigeria in September 2025 to meet with President Tinubu.