The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)

  • NADF, Mastercard, FCMB to impact 12,000 women in Oyo

    NADF, Mastercard, FCMB to impact 12,000 women in Oyo

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has launched its blended on-lending financing partnership with Psaltry International Company Limited, marking a major boost for women in agriculture in Oyo State. The programme was unveiled during Psaltry’s 20th anniversary celebration at its plant in Alayide village, Awaye, Iseyin Local Government Area.

    The initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and IDH, targets 12,000 young women in cassava cultivation in its first phase, with an expansion plan to reach 45,000 women by the end of the programme.

    Under the NADF Blended Finance On-Lending Programme (NADFBFP), NADF is contributing N798 million, representing 51 per cent of the total funding, while the Mastercard Foundation is providing the remaining 49 per cent. The financing will support the cultivation of 2,400 hectares of cassava through Psaltry’s network of outgrowers and ingrowers. FCMB serves as the participating financial institution responsible for fund disbursement.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Nigeria welcomes help without intimidation – Senator Oluremi Tinubu

    Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Services, Abiodun Sosanya, reaffirmed the Fund’s dedication to agricultural development and economic growth.

    “This collaboration seeks to support the working capital needs of Psaltry International through the cultivation of cassava by a dedicated network of farmers, while complementing Mastercard Foundation’s financing of the farmers’ input requirements,” Ibrahim said.

    He added that the programme would guarantee timely access to quality inputs, ensure market availability through backward integration, reduce production costs via subsidised lending, and promote value addition in cassava processing.

    The initiative aligns with the food security and sovereignty goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating the role of structured agricultural financing in advancing national development priorities. It is also expected to boost local production, reduce import dependence, and economically empower rural women.

    FCMB’s MD/CEO, Yemisi Edun, represented by the Executive Director of Wholesale Banking, Obaro Odeghe, described the collaboration as transformational.

    “This initiative is funding the cultivation of 2,400 hectares of cassava under the NADF–Mastercard Foundation–FCMB collaboration. It enables Psaltry to scale up cassava and sorbitol production while addressing Nigeria’s agricultural finance gap. NADF’s support demonstrates the power of purposeful public-private partnerships in repositioning agriculture as a key economic driver,” she said.

    Founder and CEO of Psaltry International, Oluyemisi Iranloye, noted the significance of the milestone for both the company and the beneficiaries.

    “As we celebrate 20 years of Psaltry, this collaboration will impact 15,000 women initially and 45,000 by the end. From cassava we produce food grain, starch, high-quality cassava flour, sorbitol and glucose for Nigerian companies. It provides import substitution, strengthens local supply chains, and supports youth, internally displaced persons and people with disabilities. Today’s milestone reaffirms our commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable agriculture,” Iranloye said.

    The partnership reflects NADF’s broader strategy of deploying blended finance to de-risk agricultural value chains, enhance smallholder access to structured financing, and strengthen raw material sourcing for agro-industries. With the combined backing of public institutions, private finance, and international development partners, the programme offers a replicable model for expanding investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    Over the years, the Mastercard Foundation, working with sector stakeholders, has continued to empower Nigerian farmers particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities to boost productivity and resilience.

  • Firm partners NADF, others to train 15,000 female cassava farmers in Oyo

    Firm partners NADF, others to train 15,000 female cassava farmers in Oyo

    Psaltry International Company Limited, with backing from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has kicked off an ambitious initiative to train 15,000 young women in cassava cultivation across Oyo State.

    The programme targets women aged 18 to 35 and is designed to support the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of cassava.

    Speaking during the company’s 20th anniversary celebration—which also marked the official launch of the NADF-FCMB support for the Psaltry–IDH–Mastercard initiative at the firm’s Awaye plant—Chief Executive Officer Oluyemisi Iranloye expressed gratitude to NADF and other partners for their consistent support.

    She noted that the funding provided would cover land plowing, fertilizer application, chemicals, and other vital inputs required for the 2,000-hectare cassava project.

    “I want to sincerely thank everyone here and all who have played a role in Psaltry’s journey,” she said.

    “I also extend my appreciation to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, especially as this celebration coincides with the flag-off of the NADF-FCMB support for the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard initiative, empowering 15,000 young women in Oyo State, aged 18 to 35, in cassava cultivation.”

    Read Also: NIWA manager receives Nelson Mandela Leadership Award

    Iranloye reeled out achievements of the organization towards impacting cassava farmers in the state, such as provision of an industrial borehole which supplied portable water, constant electricity, and medical outreach to many communities bordering the plant, and scholarships for cassava farmers’ children.

    She said Psaltry has also facilitated the construction of the road linking Alayide, the host village, by the Oyo State government.

    According to her, in the passing years, Psaltry has achieved the goal of pushing cassava floor to replace manufacturing companies’ dependence on wheat flour, production of food-grade starch for the likes of Nigerian Breweries and Nestle, as well as cassava-based sorbitol for toothpaste production and high-purity hydrogen for many industries.

    “As we mark 20 years, Psaltry is stepping confidently into a new era – one defined by innovation, product diversification, market diversification, groundbreaking research and development, sustainable livelihoods, clean energy, and environmental sustainability.

    “We generate 1.1megawatt of solar power to run our operations; nothing is wasted; our wastes are transformed into nutrient-rich animal feed. This is not only smart, it is sustainable.”

    Dignitaries at the event include representatives from NADF, Abiodun Sosanya, who represented the Executive Secretary, Malam Mohammed Ibrahim, representative of Alitheia Group, Mr Oti Iletamhen, and officials of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

    Others included the Alawaye of Awaye, Oba Okunlola Amidu Olawale, the head of the host village, Alhaji Gazali Alayide, and cassava stakeholders from within and outside Oyo State.

  • NADF, Cross River partner to boost farmers’ access to credit

    NADF, Cross River partner to boost farmers’ access to credit

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has announced collaboration with the Cross River State Government to develop a subnational non-ISPO de-risking mechanism aimed at improving access to agricultural finance in the state.

    During a meeting at the Government House in Calabar, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, led a delegation alongside technical partners PROPCOM+, headed by Country Director, Adiya Ode, to discuss the initiative with Governor Bassey Otu.

    Governor Otu welcomed the partnership and directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to constitute a technical committee that will work with NADF and PROPCOM+ to review and adapt the proposed de-risking framework. The committee will ensure the model addresses local needs and supports the state’s agricultural priorities.

    Read Also: Economy now predictable, stable, says Shettima

    Ibrahim commended the Cross River Government for its forward-looking policies, particularly the establishment of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Fund, which he said was designed to stimulate the commercialisation of agriculture and improve access to finance for both smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.”

    He also praised the state’s Project Grow initiative, which targets the empowerment of agribusinesses, MSMEs, and smallholder farmers across the 18 local government areas.

    Highlighting the governor’s commitment to research and innovation, Ibrahim lauded the creation of an Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) substation in the state, noting that “such an initiative would strengthen evidence-based agricultural development and enhance primary production.”

    The NADF Executive Secretary reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to work closely with other state governments, stressing that subnational actors are vital to achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and sovereignty.

    “The NADF remains determined to support initiatives that align with national objectives while empowering farmers, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable agricultural transformation,” he said.

  • NADF, partners launch all-season model farm in Katsina

    NADF, partners launch all-season model farm in Katsina

    National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has signed a  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key partners to establish a 50-hectare all-season demonstration farm at the Sabke Dam in Katsina State.

     The agreement, signed during a formal ceremony on Wednesday, brings together  Katsina State Government, OCP Africa, Infrastructure Bank, and the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) in a strategic public-private partnership aimed at demonstrating the commercial viability of year-round agriculture using existing dam infrastructure.

    Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) , Mohammed Ibrahim, described the initiative as a proof of concept to showcase how irrigation infrastructure can be optimised for modern, sustainable agriculture.

     He said the project was a direct outcome of NADF’s strategic engagement in Katsina, which began with a technical feasibility study to explore the dam’s agricultural potential.

    “As we conducted feasibility assessments, private sector players also indicated interest, which led to this partnership,” Ibrahim said. “This demonstration farm will be a live site showcasing the full agricultural value chain, from land preparation and seed selection to soil nutrition, crop management, post-harvest handling, and market access.”

    According to him, the farm will focus on four staple crops: maize, sorghum, cowpea, and soybeans. It is also expected to serve as a training and capacity-building platform for smallholder farmers.

    Read Also: Transforming Nigeria through real estate development

     Ibrahim praised the Katsina State Government for creating an investment-friendly environment and supporting the project with land clearing, mechanisation, and farm management services.

    OCP Africa, the project’s technical partner, has conducted a full soil mapping of the Sabke Dam’s irrigable area and will develop crop-specific fertilizer blends. “OCP has done a complete soil map and will use that data to guide fertilizer application for optimal productivity,” Ibrahim said.

    The Infrastructure Bank is financing key farm inputs, including urea fertilizer, while NADF will oversee the overall coordination and management of the project. A new digital monitoring and evaluation platform developed by NADF will be deployed to ensure transparency, track resources, and enable data-driven decision-making.

    Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Radda, expressed strong support for the initiative, citing its potential economic and social impact.

    “When this idea was presented to me, I embraced it immediately because of the broad benefits it offers to our people and our economy,” he said. “We are determined to ensure this farm operates all year round, keeping both people and infrastructure actively engaged.”

    Also speaking, Dr. Alik Orevaoghene of OCP Africa noted that the farm will be a hub for teaching good agronomic practices. According to the MoU, OCP will also provide fertilizer support for both the demonstration farm and potential out-grower schemes.

    SRRBDA Managing Director, Abubakar Malam, described the project as a revival of long-dormant infrastructure. “With the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are donating 50 hectares of land for this development in support of national food security,” he stated.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada, called the launch a historic milestone. “This is one of the happiest moments of my legislative career—to see this dam finally being put to productive use,” he said. He assured of legislative backing, emphasizing that the project’s success is a collective responsibility.

  • NADF unveils platform to oversee N19.5b AgGrow project

    NADF unveils platform to oversee N19.5b AgGrow project

    National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has launched a digital Monitoring and Evaluation  platform to track implementation of its N19.5 billion AgGrow Farm Support Programme.

    The initiative is designed to provide 50 per cent subsidies on seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection products to 50,000 smallholder farmers cultivating maize, rice, cassava, and soybeans.

    Speaking at the launch, NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the platform as a transformative tool to ensure accountability and transparency.

    “This platform guarantees that every seed, every input, and every naira invested is tracked from distribution to use,” he said. “It allows us to keep learning, improving, and delivering results that align with national priorities.”

    Under the scheme, NADF will finance the farm input, while processors will repay 50 per cent of the input value after harvest through outgrower arrangements. The approach will bridge the gap between farmers and processors, reduce dependence on middlemen, and strengthen raw material sourcing for agro-processing.

    Ibrahim noted that robust oversight is central to its success. “We have developed a framework and software to enhance the quality of our M&E because end-to-end supervision is critical”.

    He urged field officers to act as the fund’s “eyes and ears”. “You will play a vital role in implementing this scheme tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and informing decision-making.”

    To ensure transparency, participating farmers must be registered with a Bank Verification Number or National Identity Number. Their farms will be geo-tagged and verified biometrically. Weekly reporting, third-party audits, and strict compliance measures will be applied to ensure proper use of input.

    The digital platform will also support extension services and advisory training on best farming practices. “We want to build farmers’ capacities so they can achieve better yields and higher incomes,” Ibrahim said.

    Read Also: Wike moves to end FCT Teachers’ strike, approves revenue deduction to meet demands

    He also issued a warning against malpractice. “We will not hesitate to de-board and prosecute any consultant falling short of the standards of efficiency, honesty, and integrity. We urge everyone to avoid fraud and collusion and to work together to make a lasting impact.”

    The programme is designed to be inclusive, with 40% of beneficiaries expected to be women and 20% youth. Crop insurance will also be provided to protect farmers against climate risks.

    A representative of the M&E partners, Olusola Omole, described the project as unprecedented.

    “There has never been a time when M&E vendors were convened to align expectations and targets so comprehensively,” Omole said.

    “This marks a new beginning that will empower us to deliver real benefits to farmers and processors.”

    CEO of AgroXchange Technology Services Limited, Adewale Adegoke, praised NADF for adopting a data-driven approach.

    “NADF is changing the narrative. They are using advanced intelligence and satellite technology to track issues even farmers may not detect. This has the potential to transform the lives of 50,000 farmers, potentially tripling their incomes,” he said.

    Adegoke noted that despite available training, Nigeria’s maize yields remain low due to poor compliance with good agronomic practices.

    “Some maize varieties can yield up to six tons per hectare, but the national average is just 1.9 to 2 tons,” he added.

    Also speaking, NADF Head of Strategy Adebanke Fajana, explained that data will be managed at state, regional, and national levels.

    “State consultants will collect field data and monitor agroprocessors. The integrity of this data is extremely important to us,” she stressed.

    Fajana said NADF will deploy independent agents and engage community leaders to strengthen grassroots coordination. She noted that further details, including reporting templates and deliverables, would be communicated in subsequent sessions.

    Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Lanre Wilton-Wadell, highlighted the programme’s rationale.

    “Seventy percent of smallholder farmers face barriers to accessing quality seeds and lack knowledge of good agricultural practices. Processors also struggle to secure raw materials sustainably due to middlemen and market inefficiencies,” he explained.

    The pilot phase, covering 12 to 15 states, is intended to serve as a model for expanding similar agricultural support initiatives nationwide. With the launch of this platform, NADF signals a move toward data-driven agricultural governance where every farm counts, every input is traceable, and every harvest is measured.

  • NADF, others launch N1.5b pilot scheme to boost smallholder farming

    NADF, others launch N1.5b pilot scheme to boost smallholder farming

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), in collaboration with Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) and NOVA Merchant Bank, has launched a N1.5 billion pilot scheme aimed at cultivating 1,500 hectares of farmland and supporting 1,500 smallholder farmers.

    The initiative, unveiled during a press conference in Abuja, is the maiden disbursement under NADF’s National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP-1) and marks the first use of the agency’s on-lending facility.

    Designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance farmer productivity, the scheme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Food Security and Market Priority Agenda, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the scheme as a blueprint for inclusive agricultural financing.

     “This initiative proves that smallholder farmers can be sustainably and profitably engaged. Through aggregation, partnerships, and strategic financing, agriculture can become a catalyst for national development,” he said.

    FMN Agro Managing Director, Dr. Sadiq Usman, highlighted the program’s focus on yield improvement and resilient supply chains.

    “A factory without a farm is scrap metal, and a farm without a factory is just wheat,” Usman said.

    He noted that maize cultivation in Kaduna State, which accounts for 20 per cent of Nigeria’s maize production, would be the program’s initial focus.

    Read Also: Tinubu signs historic Tax Reform Bills to law Thursday

    Group Head of Corporate Banking at NOVA Merchant Bank,  Uzoma Ayonmike, emphasised the financial institution’s commitment to national growth.

    “We are proud to be the first bank to disburse under NADF’s pilot phase. This isn’t just a financial transaction, it’s a commitment to food security, inclusion, and sustainable progress,” she said.

    Head of Value Chain Banking at NOVA, Esosa Igbineweka, outlined the bank’s rigorous due diligence process before selecting FMN Agro as the implementing partner.

     “NADF cannot lend directly to farmers, so we ensure our intermediaries meet strict risk and performance standards. FMN Agro has demonstrated capacity and credibility in working with smallholder farmers,” he noted.

    From the investment division of NADF, Olalekan Alabi shared plans to scale the initiative to reach 10,000 farmers by the end of the current wet season.

    He listed maize, cassava, rice, soybean, and sorghum as priority crops with high national impact.

    “This is not a one-off intervention. It’s the beginning of a long-term strategy to enhance food security through consistent investment in smallholder agriculture,” Alabi said.

    The program integrates mechanization, access to inputs, and market linkage, positioning it as a holistic response to the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    The first deployment of the scheme will begin in Kaduna, where FMN will focus on maize due to its strategic importance in both food milling and livestock feed.

  • Agencies stress gender-inclusive, climate-smart agric financing

    Agencies stress gender-inclusive, climate-smart agric financing

    National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and German Development Cooperation (GIZ) have renewed their commitment to advancing gender-inclusive, climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria through innovative financing tailored to the needs of women, youth, and smallholder farmers.

    At a top Validation Workshop in Abuja, stakeholders gathered to finalise a transformative financing framework to unlock equitable access to agricultural resources.

    The framework, developed by NADF and GIZ, moves beyond conventional credit systems, focusing on integrated support through mechanisation, digital tools, extension services, advisory support, and risk-sharing strategies.

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, hailed the initiative as more than a policy blueprint.

    “This is not just documentation; it’s a reflection of our resolve to build resilience, inclusivity, and prosperity in Nigeria’s food systems,” he said.

    Highlighting a flagship mechanisation programme, Kyari announced the rollout of 2,000 John Deere tractors in the first phase, with a goal of 10,000 over five years.  He emphasised equitable distribution, particularly for women, youth, and small-scale farmers, and called for the use of digital platforms to broaden access to financial services.

    “We must innovate beyond traditional tools. Financial literacy and digital solutions can deliver custom-fit products to underserved groups,” he said.

    NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, noted the initiative’s inclusive vision.

    “Our goal is ambitious but clear: to deploy financing that reaches every Nigerian farmer, regardless of location or circumstance,” he said.

    He noted that the workshop builds on a preliminary session held in November 2024, moving the project from draft to validation and refinement.

    “This isn’t just validation, it’s co-creation,” Ibrahim said.

    Read Also: Three reasons relocating from Nigeria shouldn’t be a first option

    “We are designing a financing model that meets farmers where they are and takes them where they deserve to be.”

    He challenged stakeholders to explore new delivery models, such as bundling insurance, financing, and mechanisation into “pay-as-you-plant” services and delivering microloans through mobile wallets, especially to women.

    The initiative, he said, aligns with continental strategies like Kampala Declaration and Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026 to 2035, which prioritise increased productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, expanded intra-African trade, and youth and women empowerment.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, underscored the contributions of women to our food systems.

     “Women make up 70 to 75 per cent of agricultural workforce and produce 80 per cent of what we eat. Yet they receive only a fraction of available credit and land,” she noted.