The Bauchi State Government has entered into a $158 million financial agreement to implement the Value Chain Programme, a major initiative aimed at transforming agriculture and enhancing economic resilience across ten northern states.
According to The PUNCH, the deputy Governor Auwal Jatau reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to the programme’s successful execution.
“This is a bold step towards realising our vision for agricultural-driven industrial growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods,” Jatau said.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media at the Deputy Governor’s Office, Muslim Lawal, the programme will be executed in Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.
The initiative is co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the French Development Agency, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Jatau described the programme as a strategic move aligned with Governor Bala Mohammed’s agenda to harness Bauchi State’s agricultural potential.
“Under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, we have crafted a robust agricultural development plan that leverages our land resources to catalyse industrial growth,” he stated.
He also announced that Bauchi had attained certification as a food export processing zone, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing productivity and competing in both regional and international agricultural markets.
“We are fully prepared to provide an enabling environment for this programme and will sustain policies that attract private sector investment and support ease of doing business,” Jatau added.
Highlighting the state’s track record, the Deputy Governor noted Bauchi’s participation in the World Bank’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), which he described as a solid foundation for the new initiative.
Jatau concluded by expressing gratitude to development partners and stakeholders for their continued support. “Your collaboration paves the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for our people,” he said.
