Governor Umar Namadi has led a delegation from Jigawa State to formalize a strategic partnership with the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice), marking a major step toward agricultural advancement and food security.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, said in a statement in Dutse that the collaboration was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level meeting in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, on Thursday.
The MoU was signed by the Director General of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), Dr. Saifullahi Umar and Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice, establishing a framework to strengthen key areas of rice production in the state.
Governor Namadi, in his remarks, outlined his administration’s vision for a modern and commercially competitive rice sector capable of positioning Jigawa as a leading rice hub in Nigeria.
He said the partnership reflects the state’s commitment to agricultural renewal, farmer empowerment, and economic prosperity through improved technologies and enhanced production systems.
Key provisions of the MoU include varietal improvement, climate-resilient seed development, adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies, improved post-harvest processes, value addition, and capacity development through digital agriculture tools.
Dr. Saifullahi Umar described the partnership as transformative, noting that it will give farmers access to modern technologies and support the state’s transition to mechanized agriculture.
He said the initiative represents a significant push toward self-sufficiency in rice production and long-term agricultural sustainability.
AfricaRice Director General, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Jigawa and other African states with research-driven innovations designed to boost productivity and improve livelihoods.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to impactful advancements in local rice production and competitiveness.
The partnership will begin with planning sessions and adaptive trials across Jigawa’s ecological zones to determine the most effective technologies and approaches for the state.
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, AfricaRice is dedicated to reducing poverty and strengthening food security across the continent through rice research and partnerships.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
