NADF, Cross River Collaborate On Agricultural Finance Framework

ABUJA – The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Abu Ibrahim,has met with the Governor of Cross River State,Bassey Otu, to discuss the development of a subnational non-ISPO de-risking mechanism aimed at expanding access to agricultural finance in the state.

The NADF delegation was accompanied by its technical partners, Propcom+, led by Country Director, Adiya Ode.

Otu welcomed the initiative and directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to establish a technical committee to work with NADF and Propcom+ to review and adapt the de-risking framework, ensuring it meets the needs of local stakeholders and supports the state’s agricultural priorities.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, commended the state government for its forward-looking policies, particularly the creation of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Fund, designed to stimulate the commercialisation of agriculture and improve access to finance for both smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, as well as Project Grow, which is aimed at empowering agribusinesses, MSMEs, and smallholder farmers across the 18 LGAs of the state.

He also praised the governor’s commitment to research and innovation through the establishment 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.

Ibrahim reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with other subnational governments, emphasising that states play a crucial role in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and sovereignty.

He added that the NADF remains determined to support initiatives that align with national objectives while empowering farmers, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable agricultural transformation.

He concluded by describing Cross River’s approach as akin to the Brazilian model of agricultural transformation, where strong state-level leadership, innovative financing, and technology-driven farming converge to deliver inclusive growth and lasting food security.