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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Cross River State Government have announced a partnership to develop a sub-national non-ISPO de-risking mechanism aimed at expanding access to agricultural finance in the state.
The NADF delegation was accompanied by its technical partners, PROPCOM+, led by Country Director Adiya Ode.
Governor Otu welcomed the initiative and directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to establish a technical committee to work with NADF and PROPCOM+ to review and adapt the de-risking framework, ensuring it meets the needs of local stakeholders and supports the state’s agricultural priorities.
In his remarks, NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim, commended the state government for its forward-looking policies, particularly the creation of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Fund, designed to stimulate the commercialisation of agriculture and improve access to finance for both smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, as well as Project Grow, which is aimed at empowering agribusinesses, MSMEs, and smallholder farmers across the 18 LGAs of the state.
Ibrahim also praised the governor’s commitment to research and innovation through the establishment of an Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) substation in the state, noting that such an initiative would strengthen evidence-based agricultural development and enhance primary production.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with other sub-national governments, emphasising that states play a crucial role in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and sovereignty.
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He added that the NADF remains determined to support initiatives that align with national objectives while empowering farmers, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable agricultural transformation.
He described Cross River’s approach as akin to the Brazilian model of agricultural transformation, where strong state-level leadership, innovative financing, and technology-driven farming converge to deliver inclusive growth and lasting food security.
