FG, Niger govt sign MoU on mass housing, agric scheme

The federal government, on Friday in Abuja signed a memorandum of understanding between the Niger State Government and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) under the anchorage and strategic guidance of the Federal Ministry of finance, for the implementation of a Mass Housing and Agricultural Settlement Project in Niger State. Speaking at the event, the […]

The federal government, on Friday in Abuja signed a memorandum of understanding between the Niger State Government and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) under the anchorage and strategic guidance of the Federal Ministry of finance, for the implementation of a Mass Housing and Agricultural Settlement Project in Niger State.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, noted that in Niger State, housing intersects directly with agriculture, food security, rural stability and economic productivity; hence the project, which is deliberately designed not just as a housing intervention but as a settlement framework for farmers aims at strengthening agricultural value chains and improving livelihoods across the state.

“Niger State remains one of Nigeria’s most agriculturally endowed states, yet challenges such as insecure settlements, rural-urban migration and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit the full potential of our farming communities. 

“This initiative seeks to address these challenges by providing structured, secure and well-planned housing settlements for farmers, strategically located to support agricultural production, storage, processing and market access.

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“By anchoring farmers in stable communities with access to basic infrastructure, this project will enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve security and encourage youth participation in agriculture. Simply put, when farmers are properly settled, agriculture becomes more efficient, more attractive and profitable,” she said.

Also speaking, the managing director of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Takang, noted that MOFI brought deep expertise in asset optimisation, project structuring and private capital mobilisation. 

Responding, the Niger State governor, Umaru Bago, said infrastructure had become a key subject in national discourse, which is why the state is investing.

“Niger State has a dream to depopulate Abuja in the next 10 years because every year we will take one million people out of the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.