The Jigawa State Government has entered into a major agricultural partnership with the AfricaRice Centre, aiming to boost rice production and unlock more than $1 billion in long-term farmer prosperity.

The formal signing took place in Côte d’Ivoire, where Governor Umar Namadi led the state delegation.

Governor Namadi, accompanied by the Jigawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkadir Fanini, and other senior officials, signed the five-year Memorandum of Understanding at the AfricaRice headquarters in Abidjan.

The agreement is part of the state’s wider plan to strengthen food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and position Jigawa as one of Nigeria’s leading rice hubs.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Namadi said the partnership marks a new chapter for rice farmers in Jigawa.

In his words, the MoU is “a deliberate investment in the future of our farmers, ensuring they have access to superior seed varieties, modern technology, and the knowledge they need to succeed.”

Under the partnership, farmers will benefit in four key areas:

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• High-quality seeds: AfricaRice will supply improved, climate-resilient varieties to help farmers achieve stronger harvests, even in challenging weather.

• Climate-smart farming:
Jigawa farmers and extension workers will receive training on modern, water-efficient techniques to boost yields while protecting the environment.

• Value addition: The agreement introduces new post-harvest technologies, including advanced parboiling systems and training on over 26 rice-based products, helping farmers earn more and reduce losses.

• Knowledge transfer: Institutions such as JATA and JRI will receive specialised support and digital tools to guide data-driven rice production across the state.

Experts say the partnership could unlock more than $1 billion in agricultural value over the next five years, supporting Nigeria’s wider goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.

With this collaboration, Jigawa State is positioning itself as a model for modern rice production in Nigeria. The state hopes the partnership with AfricaRice will not only boost farmer incomes but also strengthen national food security and create new economic opportunities across the rice value chain.