Economy
FG, Niger Government Partners On Mass Housing, Agriculture
FG, Niger Government Partners On Mass Housing, Agriculture
FG, Niger government partners on mass housing, agriculture. Mrs Uzoka-Anite described the MoU as a settlement framework for farmers
The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Niger State for the provision of mass housing and agricultural settlements for farmers in the state.
The MoU was signed by the two parties in Abuja on Friday.
The minister of state for finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, signed on behalf of the ministry of finance Incorporated (MOFI) while the Niger Governor, Mohammed Bago, signed on behalf of the state.
Mrs Uzoka-Anite said that the project entailed the Niger State government providing 100,000 hectares of land for the farm estate.
The Niger farm estate project, the first of its kind in the country, has key partners.
They include MOFI, Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Niger Foods Limited.
Mrs Uzoka-Anite described the MoU as a settlement framework for farmers, aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and improving livelihoods across the state.
The minister said that the choice of Niger to pilot the farmers’ estate was deliberate.
“Niger remains one of Nigeria’s most agriculturally endowed states.
“Challenges such as insecure settlements, rural-urban migration, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit the full potential of our farming communities.
“This initiative seeks to address these challenges by providing structured, secure and well-planned housing settlements for farmers, strategically located to support agricultural production, storage, processing and market access,” she said.
Mrs Uzoka-Anite said that by anchoring farmers in stable communities with access to basic infrastructure, the project would enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve security and encourage youth participation in agriculture.
“Housing, as we know, is a fundamental pillar of development, but in Niger State, housing also intersects directly with agriculture, food security, rural stability and economic productivity,” she said.
According to the minister, when farmers are properly settled, agriculture becomes more efficient, more attractive, and more profitable.
She said that the project adopted an innovative financing model that blends public assets with private investment, ensuring sustainability, transparency, and shared risk.
“It allows government to focus on enabling policy and oversight, while leveraging the efficiency and scale of the private sector.
“Beyond its agricultural focus, the project promotes job security by creating stable, long-term employment across agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy maintenance, logistics and community services,” she said.
She said that the mass housing and settlement project would stimulate broad-based economic activity by creating jobs for engineers, builders, artisans, suppliers and service providers.
“It will support local industries such as cement, steel, agro-processing, logistics and transportation.
“It will strengthen rural economies and contribute meaningfully to the state’s internally generated revenue.
Affordability and inclusiveness are central to this initiative,” she said.
She said that MOFI’s role in the project was strategic and catalytic as a key institution under the federal ministry of finance.
The minister said that MOFI brought deep expertise in asset optimisation, project structuring, and private capital mobilisation.
She said that through this collaboration, public land and assets were being transformed into productive economic instruments that deliver tangible value to citizens while reducing fiscal pressure on government.
She said that the settlements were not luxury estates but were designed to be functional, cost-effective, and aligned with the income realities of farmers and low- to middle-income earners.
The minister said that transparent allocation mechanisms and strong governance structures would ensure that the benefits reached the intended beneficiaries.
“Sustainability remains a key priority, with integrated renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered homes and community facilities, to ensure reliable electricity, reduce energy costs, and support agro-processing and storage activities.
“As these settlements are developed, emphasis will be placed on efficient land use, access roads, water solutions and environmentally responsible building practices that support long-term community growth,” she said.
She also said that the MoU demonstrated cooperative federalism, strategic alignment, and a shared commitment to inclusive economic development.
According to her, it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Niger Government Partners On Mass Housing
The Niger governor lauded the project as a milestone, an idea that aligns with the state’s agriculture programme.
Mr Bago said that the state would provide 100,000 hectares of land for the farm estate and promised to present the Certificate of Occupancy of the land to the minister on Monday.
He said that his government was deliberate and committed to helping people transition out of poverty.
“We are happy to be chosen for the pilot stage. This will address the issue of insecurity.
“Niger state has the largest mechanised land of all the states in Nigeria, and with this initiative, we have solved 80 per cent of our problems.
“We have a mission to develop a rail line from minna to Abuja and there would be farming corridor. We will create grazing reserves in the farm estate,” he said.
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC sets to run three Lagos–Ibadan train trips Monday. He assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by NRC chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
He said the additional trip was in response to high passenger turnout during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.
“The extra trip is aimed at easing passenger movement and providing more travel options for commuters returning after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“Under the schedule, departures from Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m., and 4.00 p.m.
“From Ibadan (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), trains will depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m., and 4.30 p.m.,” he said.
Mr Unyimadu assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
He advised travellers to arrive early, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys.
“The corporation appreciates the continued patronage of its services and wishes all passengers a safe and pleasant journey,” he added.
UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa
United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) and British International Investment plc (“BII”), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced that they have signed a letter of intent to develop trade finance collaboration opportunities.
The proposed initiative aims to expand access to trade and working capital facilities for businesses operating across Africa.
Access to trade finance remains one of the most significant structural constraints on African trade. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are frequently unable to secure letters of credit, guarantees, and supply chain finance on commercially viable terms, limiting their capacity to export and import competitively. This trade finance gap is estimated by the African Development Bank to be over USD 80 billion annually.
To help close this gap, UBA UK, the London subsidiary of UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank, will leverage its deep relationships across the Group’s 20-country African network to originate and structure trade finance transactions. While BII, with a mandate to support productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Africa, can support transactions that might otherwise fall outside conventional commercial appetite.
“The signing of this letter with BII represents a landmark moment for UBA UK and for the UBA Group’s global ambitions. As the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, UBA UK is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with the international financial system. Working alongside BII, we can extend that capability further — mobilising capital where it matters most and helping to close the trade finance gap that holds back so much African potential,” said Lok Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK
“British International Investment is committed to catalysing private sector growth across Africa, and trade finance is a critical enabler of that growth. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UBA Group, whose pan-African network and deep institutional relationships can help advance our ambition to expand access to trade and working capital finance, particularly in frontier markets,” Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa
The announcement builds on growing momentum around intra-African trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021 and represents one of the world’s most significant trade integration initiatives. Both institutions have identified the operationalisation of AfCFTA as a priority catalyst for a trade finance facility, with UBA UK’s network across major AfCFTA economies offering a basis for supporting businesses navigating the emerging continental market.
This also complements the UK Government’s broader engagement with African economic development, including commitments made at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, and reinforces the City of London’s role as a leading international finance centre for Africa-focused capital mobilisation.
Future cooperation remains subject to further assessment, due diligence and the completion of internal approvals by both parties.
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UK) LIMITED
UBA UK is the London-based subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with operations across 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA UK serves as the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, providing a comprehensive suite of trade finance, treasury, and correspondent banking services to institutional and corporate clients worldwide.
UBA
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA GROUP
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
ABOUT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.
Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development.
The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.
The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.
He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.
“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”
The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.
He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.
Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.
The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.
Tinubu
He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.
Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.
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