The Kwara State Government is reinforcing its commitment to agricultural development through strategic engagements with key national institutions.
The institutions include the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and other agriculture-related government funding institutions.
These efforts aim to enhance structural support and align national interventions with the specific needs of smallholder farmers, youths, and rural communities in the state.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Alabi, during the First Quarter Interministerial Press Briefing, 2025, organised by the Ministry of Communications at the Ministry of Finance, Ilorin.
According to Dr Alabi, “Our engagements with institutions like NIRSAL and other funds-related agencies are focused on building a coordinated system that delivers real value to farmers. We are working to ensure that national-level support structures are effectively aligned with our local priorities to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.”
The commissioner added that under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the ministry is pursuing a more integrated approach to agricultural transformation, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, policy support, and institutional partnerships.
According to him, in addition to the engagements with NIRSAL and other institutional partners, the ministry is deepening its collaboration with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) under the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Settlement Initiative, which is facilitating the establishment of large-scale farm settlements across the state.
“Discussions are also progressing with Contec Global Agro Limited for the establishment of a bio-fertiliser manufacturing plant and the implementation of a backyard farming programme targeted at women and youths,“ he added.
The commissioner explained further that in a bid to ensure that the government provides inputs and the support reaches the grassroots, the Kwara State Government has set up a 7-member interim committee tasked with monitoring the distribution of agricultural resources.
“The committee is focused on eliminating diversion and ensuring that farmers in need receive the necessary assistance. The committee is expected to provide oversight and improve accountability in the implementation of government agricultural programmes, particularly targeting smallholder farmers who are often most affected by resource mismanagement,” Dr Alabi disclosed.
