Kaduna Emerges Pilot State For NGF Rice Transformation Initiative
By Umar Faruk Tukur
Kaduna State has emerged as the pilot State for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Rice Transformation Initiative aimed at strengthening food security and agricultural development.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed this while receiving the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdullateef Shittu, and his delegation on a strategic working visit to Kaduna.
Sani said Kaduna’s selection as a pilot state reflects the progress recorded in agricultural transformation, food security and rural economic development under the present administration.
He said agriculture remains a major pillar of the state government’s development agenda, noting that economic growth and social stability are closely tied to the prosperity of farming communities.
According to him, the state government has significantly increased investment in the agricultural sector, with allocation rising from 0.5 per cent in 2023 to 13 per cent in the 2026 budget.
He explained that the investment had supported major agricultural programmes and projects, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC).
The Governor also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to the Rice Transformation Initiative, pledging continued collaboration towards strengthening food security, job creation and sustainable agricultural growth.
He noted that the initiative would further support efforts aimed at improving rice production and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the state.