Katsina gov seeks stronger partnership with NADF to revolutionise agriculture
In a renewed push for food security and agribusiness development, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has called for enhanced collaboration between the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Katsina State Government to scale agricultural transformation in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Radda made this appeal during a visit to the NADF headquarters in Abuja, where he congratulated the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, and described him as a capable figure poised to make transformative contributions at the national level.
While acknowledging NADF’s national mandate, Governor Radda emphasized that Katsina, with over 90% of its population involved in agriculture or agribusiness, presents a prime model for large-scale rural development through targeted agricultural investments.
The governor outlined Katsina’s multi-pronged approach to revitalizing agriculture: over ₦21 billion invested in fertilizer procurement and equitable distribution, establishment of the state’s first Irrigation Authority, commissioning of Agricultural Mechanization Centres across all 34 LGAs, and introduction of over 6,000 agricultural machines including tractors, planters, and power tillers.
He also spotlighted Katsina’s growing commitment to climate-smart agriculture through solar-powered irrigation pumps and the revival of an irrigation dam capable of unlocking 1,200 hectares of cultivable land under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund initiative.
Radda reaffirmed his commitment to aligning state-level efforts with federal agricultural policies, stating that Katsina is ready to partner with NADF in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
NADF’s General Manager of Partnerships and Investor Relations, Nasir Ingawa, speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, praised Governor Radda’s grassroots focus and reiterated the agency’s openness to strategic partnerships with sub-national governments to deliver sustainable food systems and secure livelihoods.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Governor Radda’s engagement with NADF demonstrates a forward-thinking model for agribusiness transformation rooted in political will, infrastructure investment, and multi-level collaboration. This meeting offers several key takeaways and implications for stakeholders:
- For State Governments: Institutionalizing Agricultural Transformation
Katsina State’s creation of an Irrigation Authority and Agricultural Development Programme Unit offers a replicable framework for other states. These institutions centralize intervention coordination, enhance accountability, and attract donor and federal support. - For Agribusiness Investors: A Fertile Environment for Partnership
The procurement of over 6,000 modern agricultural machines and the revival of an irrigation dam presents massive opportunities for agritech companies, equipment suppliers, and financial institutions to partner with the state in service delivery and value chain development. - For NADF and Similar Institutions: A Model for Demand-Driven Engagement
This collaboration signals a shift from top-down interventions to a co-creation model, where states initiate action and seek federal alignment. NADF’s role here is pivotal in scaling up state-led innovations and ensuring equity across geo-political zones. - For Rural Communities: Direct Socioeconomic Benefits
Mechanization and irrigation directly address productivity bottlenecks while reducing the impact of insecurity and climate variability. Thousands of rural jobs, especially in equipment handling, irrigation services, and agro-processing, will emerge from these efforts. - For Federal Policy Makers: A Reinforcement of the Renewed Hope Agenda
Governor Radda’s alignment with President Tinubu’s infrastructure initiative underscores how sub-national actors can act as catalysts for national policy success. Coordinated investment in irrigation, inputs, and mechanization enhances food sovereignty and reduces dependency on imports.
Conclusion: The Power of Vision-Driven Partnerships
Katsina State’s proactive alignment with NADF underlines the importance of vision, leadership, and coordination in achieving agricultural transformation. For agri-food stakeholders, this is a call to action: to design partnerships that are inclusive, results-oriented, and scalable.
