FG Secures Land Title for Integrated Farming, Housing Programme in Niger

FG Secures Land Title for Integrated Farming, Housing Programme in Niger

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government has secured a Certificate of Occupancy from the Niger State Government to implement the Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities (SIPC) programme, an initiative designed to combine mass housing, agriculture, renewable energy and enterprise development to support inclusive growth.

The land title was presented on Thursday in Abuja, marking a key step toward the take-off of the programme in Niger State, which will serve as the pilot location.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the SIPC as a structured settlement plan for farmers aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and improving livelihoods across rural communities.

“By anchoring farmers in stable communities with access to basic infrastructure, this project will enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve security, and encourage youth participation in agriculture,” she said.

Uzoka-Anite noted that many farming communities have been affected by poor infrastructure, insecurity and rural-urban migration, adding that the SIPC programme is designed to address these challenges directly.

She explained that the initiative goes beyond farming, as it includes renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered homes and community facilities to support agro-processing, storage and other economic activities. The programme will also provide access roads, water supply and environmentally responsible housing.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the project, citing its vast land resources and strong focus on agriculture.

“This project will bring revolution to Nigeria in terms of industrialisation, agriculture, livestock, security, and more,” the governor said.

He announced that Niger State has provided 100,000 hectares of land for the pilot phase of the programme and disclosed plans to supply each local government area in the state with 10 tractors and two combined harvesters to support farmers.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective implementation of the SIPC programme in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Mr. Armstrong Takang, said the initiative is designed to ensure rural communities benefit directly from Nigeria’s land and asset base.

The SIPC programme adopts an innovative financing model that blends public assets with private investment to promote sustainability and shared risk. It is expected to attract developers, financial institutions, pension funds and agribusiness investors.

The Federal Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting state governments in delivering development programmes that create jobs, improve livelihoods and promote long-term economic growth.