Katsina gov seeks stronger partnership with NADF to revolutionise agriculture

Governor of Katsina, Dikko Umar Radda, has called for deeper collaboration between the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Katsina State Government to drive agricultural transformation across the country, especially in the North.

Governor Radda made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, at the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja.

The governor congratulated Ibrahim on his appointment, describing him as a capable leader poised to transform the Fund and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“He is our ambassador here, and I believe he has what it takes to transform this place for the benefit of Nigerians. I am not here to ask him to work for Katsina alone, he is here to serve the entire federation, and I know he will make us proud,” Radda said.

The visit, Radda explained, was not only to offer goodwill but also to explore strategic partnerships that would boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in Katsina State.

Highlighting that over 90% of Katsina’s population is engaged in agriculture or agribusiness, he emphasized the need for targeted investments that can empower rural communities and tackle poverty.

“In Katsina, we are investing heavily in agriculture because it is the most direct way to touch the lives of the people,” he stated.

“Last year alone, we spent over N21 billion to procure more than 400,000 bags of fertilizer, which we distributed across all polling units in the state. We also established an Agricultural Development Programme Unit to streamline interventions from development partners and other agencies”, he noted.

The governor detailed Katsina’s ongoing agricultural initiatives, including the creation of the state’s first Irrigation Authority, promotion of climate-resilient and smart farming techniques, distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps, and the commissioning of agricultural mechanization centers across all 34 local government areas.

He noted that the state government has procured over 400 tractors, 1,000 planters, combined harvesters, and 4,000 power tillers to replace traditional, labor-intensive farming methods that have been impacted by insecurity and cattle rustling.

Radda also expressed support for the federal government’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund initiative, which includes reviving an underutilized irrigation dam in Katsina.

The project, in partnership with NADF and other agencies, will provide access to 1,200 hectares of irrigable land and generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

“This is not just about food production. It’s about food security, job creation, and making sure we become an export-dependent country, not an import-dependent one,” the Katsina State Governor said.

“Katsina State is fully committed to partnering with NADF and supporting President Tinubu’s vision for agricultural transformation”, he declared.

While interacting with journalists on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NADF, Nasir Ingawa, General Manager of Partnerships and Investor Relations at NADF, commended the governor’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with state governments.

“As part of our mandate, NADF works closely with sub-national entities to promote agricultural development and ensure food security.

“This visit is timely and strategic, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead through our partnership with Katsina,” he said.