NADF, NOVA Bank, And Flour Mills Launch N1.5bn Pilot To Boost Farming In Kaduna.
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), in partnership with NOVA Bank and Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Agro, has launched a N1.5 billion pilot programme aimed at supporting 1,500 small-scale maize farmers in Kaduna State. The initiative, part of the National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP-1), was officially unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.
The programme, which will develop 1,500 hectares of agricultural land, is designed to scale up to reach 10,000 farmers by the end of this year’s rainy season. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritising food security and market-driven agricultural growth. The collaboration marks the first disbursement from NADF’s on-lending facility, with NOVA Bank and FMN Agro earning praise for their commitment to innovative agricultural financing.
Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, hailed the partnership as a milestone in the fund’s mission to boost smallholder productivity and strengthen agricultural value chains. “The NADP-1 aligns with national priorities, particularly the current administration’s focus on food security and economic growth,” he said during the launch. “This initiative is a testament to our collective resolve to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.”
Dr Sadiq Usman, Managing Director of FMN Agro, explained the rationale behind choosing Kaduna and maize for the pilot. “Kaduna accounts for 20% of Nigeria’s maize production and is home to highly productive farmers,” he noted. “It’s an ideal location to showcase how improved seeds, better nutrition, and advanced agronomy practices can significantly increase yields. This facility supports our mission to enhance farmer profitability. A factory without a farm is scrap metal, and a farm without a factory is just wheat.”
Uzoma Ayonmike, Group Head of Corporate Banking at NOVA Bank, underscored the critical role of agriculture in national development. “We are proud to be the first financial institution to disburse funds under the NADF pilot phase,” she said. “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s growth, and this partnership reflects our commitment to driving progress in the sector.”
Olalekan Alabi, head of NADF’s Investment team, revealed that the fund is actively reviewing additional applications to expand the programme’s reach. “We are committed to scaling this initiative to empower more farmers and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chains,” he said.
The pilot programme is expected to deliver tangible benefits, including improved yields, enhanced farmer incomes, and greater food security. By leveraging Kaduna’s agricultural potential and combining financial support with technical expertise, the partnership sets a promising precedent for future collaborations under the NADP-1 framework. As Nigeria continues to prioritise agricultural development, this initiative marks a vital step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for smallholder farmers.
