The agreement, formalized in Cotonou by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, aims to transform Niger State into a regional agricultural powerhouse while fostering sustainable trade and job creation.

The deal targets the production of 450,000 tonnes of cotton in Borgu, tapping into Benin’s expertise to achieve high-yield outputs. 

By 2030, the partnership plans to cultivate 550,000 hectares for maize and soybeans through crop rotation, creating one million jobs and introducing advanced mechanization and irrigation techniques. 

The initiative includes establishing 55 technical centers to train mechanics, drivers, and agronomists, alongside providing subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and tailored farming solutions to promote soil conservation and progressive irrigation.

Governor Bago hailed the agreement as “remarkable and unprecedented,” praising Benin’s agricultural advancements and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating international collaborations. 

Jean Patrick Yekpe, representing Benin, outlined a phased rollout: starting with 20,000 hectares in the first year, expanding by 50,000 hectares in the second, and scaling to 450,000 hectares by 2030 to ensure sustainable trade. 

The partnership will also drive joint research and strengthen market systems to enhance agricultural trade between the two nations.

This ambitious MoU signals a bold step toward economic diversification and food security, positioning Niger State as a model for innovative, job-creating agricultural partnerships in West Africa.