The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arzikin Noma Nigeria to manage and implement the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate project, beginning with the Ora Farm in Kwara State.

The partnership, a core part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, will create sustainable agricultural communities and make farming more appealing to young Nigerians.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, NALDA’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo described the collaboration as a strategic step by the Federal Government to reposition agriculture as a modern and profitable business.

“This is the era of sexy agriculture, and NALDA is at the forefront,” Adebayo remarked, underscoring the agency’s commitment to innovation and youth inclusion in agribusiness.

He explained that the Renewed Hope Mega Farm project has already commenced operations in Ora, Kwara State; Ilawe, Ekiti State; and Bauchi State, with Arzikin Noma serving as the private agribusiness anchor. 

Under the MoU, Arzikin Noma will finance participating farmers, while NALDA provides land preparation and essential infrastructure to ensure the project’s success.

Each farmer will cultivate an average of five hectares, supported by a mechanisation hub offering tractor and equipment services. 

Costs for these services will be deducted transparently through a digital wallet system, ensuring accountability.

The farm settlements, each spanning at least 5,000 hectares, will include basic amenities such as cleared land, hostels, administrative blocks, warehouses, police posts, and recreational facilities, designed to attract and retain youth in agriculture.

“NALDA is not involved in input or funding. Arzikin will manage and finance the farmers and be responsible for quality”. 

“This ensures accountability, sustainability, and transparency,” Adebayo said.

He reaffirmed NALDA’s commitment to delivering on all partnerships, highlighting ongoing collaborations with the Anambra State Government, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti, and the Nigerian Sugar Development Council for sugarcane production.

Adebayo also thanked President Tinubu for his continued support and urged private investors to take advantage of the government’s agricultural reform drive.

“This project will create jobs, grow the economy, and rebuild rural communities. The Renewed Hope agenda is real, our hope is renewed,” he affirmed.

On his part, Mr Michael Adeshola, Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, described the partnership as a “game-changer” that would strengthen Nigeria’s food system, promote climate-smart agriculture, and reduce rural-urban migration.

“This partnership is the big one that will transform Nigeria’s food system. With NALDA’s plan to open over 10 million hectares in ten years, Nigeria is closer than ever to achieving food sovereignty,” Adeshola said.

He added that the collaboration would reduce dependence on imported raw materials, moving Nigeria towards becoming a regional food hub capable of feeding itself and exporting to other African countries.

Source: Authority News

Image Credit: Business Day