NALDA partners Arzikin Noma to expand mega farm project, boost food security

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has intensified efforts to boost food production through new partnerships with major agribusinesses and development agencies under its Renewable Mega Farm Settlement Project, launched in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abuja on Thursday, Cornelius Adebayo, executive secretary, NALDA said the agency is building fully serviced agricultural clusters across the country, each covering at least 5,000 hectares and equipped with hostels, warehouses, administrative offices, police posts, and mechanisation hubs.

On the Mega Farm project, Adebayo said NALDA had signed an implementation partnership with Arzikin Noma, a private agribusiness anchor that will finance and manage farm operations for the management of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm in Ora, Kwara State

“NALDA provides the infrastructure, while Arzikin Noma funds inputs and manages production. This ensures sustainability and quality from seed to harvest,” he explained.

“This is the era of sexy agriculture, as Mr. President says to the Nigerian youth. NALDA is at the forefront of this mandate,” Adebayo stated, adding that the first clusters have commenced in Ora (Kwara State), Ilawe (Ekiti State), and Bauchi State, with over 8,000 hectares already cleared.

He explained that the model allows for early operation before full completion.

“We do not need to wait for a ceremonial launch before planting begins. Nigerians need food at affordable prices, and we must be proactive,” he said.

Adebayo disclosed that NALDA is also working with several major private and public partners to strengthen agricultural value chains nationwide.

“We have started work with a number of big companies, and we are clearing and starting moisture rings,” he said.

“We signed an agreement with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) on restoring livelihoods for displaced persons, and the pilot project has been cleared for take-off.”

He further announced ongoing collaboration with Agbeyewa Farms, Africa’s largest cassava producer, which currently cultivates 3,000 hectares

“NALDA has committed to clearing an additional 5,000 hectares for Agbeyewa Farms to expand cassava cultivation,” he said, describing the partnership as evidence of government’s commitment to support viable agribusinesses.

The Executive Secretary also confirmed that NALDA has honoured its commitments with the Nigerian Sugar Development Council (NSDC) to establish a commercial sugarcane plantation for local farmers.

“Let it be on record that this is a government agency that honours its agreements,” he said.

“We call on the private sector — oil and gas, technology, telecom — to take part. Nigeria must feed itself and reclaim food sovereignty. Take a little of your profit, come partner with NALDA, and let us grow this sector together.”

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Michael Adeshola, managing director of Arzikin Noma, described the partnership as “a big bet for Nigeria,” designed to transform the nation’s food system and reduce import dependence.

“We are moving from subsistence to large-scale farming, creating jobs for youth and women while promoting food sovereignty,” he said.

Adebayo reaffirmed that NALDA’s initiatives were directly aligned with President Tinubu’s food security goals.

“We are rebuilding rural communities and creating a sustainable middle class through agriculture. The renewed hope agenda is real,” he concluded.

The ceremony coincided with World Food Day, underscoring Nigeria’s renewed commitment to ending hunger and strengthening food systems.