Governor Bago of Niger State
October 3, 2025
The Republic of Benin has signed a multi-billion-dollar Memorandum of Understanding with Niger State, Nigeria, to boost cotton, maize, and soybean production.
In a statement by the State government, the agreement was formalised in Cotonou by Governor Umaru Bago, accompanied by Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
The deal targets 450,000 tonnes of cotton in Borgu, leveraging Benin’s expertise for high-yield output. It also aims to cultivate 550,000 hectares for maize and soybeans by 2030 through crop rotation, creating one million jobs, promoting sustainable farming, and introducing mechanization and irrigation.
Governor Bago praised the “remarkable and unprecedented” agreement, commending Benin’s advancements and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling international partnerships. Jean Patrick Yekpe outlined a phased approach, starting with 20,000 hectares in year one, expanding by 50,000 hectares in year two, and reaching 450,000 hectares by 2030 for sustainable trade.
