Infrastructure: Finance Ministry anchors MoU for mass housing, agric settlement projects in Niger

*Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, describes the agreement as a landmark initiative designed to integrate housing delivery with agricultural productivity, rural stability, and economic empowerment in Niger State, stating, ‘housing is a fundamental pillar of development’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a move to deliver quality homes while boosting agriculture in the state, the Federal Ministry of Finance has anchored the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Niger State Government.

The agreement is struck for the implementation of a Mass Housing and Agricultural Settlement Project in Niger State.

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Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Honourable Minister of State for Finance, described the agreement as a landmark initiative that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to cooperative federalism, inclusive economic growth, and strategic alignment in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Ministry of Finance, in a statement, disclosed that as the anchor institution, the project benefits from strong policy coordination, financial credibility, and institutional oversight.

The Ministry said the initiative was designed to integrate housing delivery with agricultural productivity, rural stability, and economic empowerment.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite stated: “Housing is a fundamental pillar of development. In Niger State, housing also intersects directly with agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods.

“This project is, therefore, structured not merely as a housing intervention, but as a settlement framework for farmers aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains.”

ConsumerConnect reports Niger State is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most agriculturally endowed states.

However, the state has continued to face challenges, including insecure settlements, rural-urban migration, and limited rural infrastructure, according to report.

The Federal Government said the project would address these constraints by providing secure, well-planned housing settlements for farmers, strategically located to support agricultural production, storage, processing, and access to markets.

The Minister also emphasised that anchoring farmers in stable communities with access to basic infrastructure would improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance security, and encourage youth participation in agriculture, making farming more efficient, attractive, and profitable.

On sustainability, affordability of project

It is noted that sustainability and affordability are core pillars of the initiative, with integrated renewable energy solutions.

These, the government noted include solar-powered homes and community facilities, designed to ensure reliable power, reduce energy costs, and support agro-processing and storage activities.

It further said the project also prioritises efficient land use, access roads, water infrastructure, and environmentally responsible building practices.

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In his remarks on the Federal Government to the sustainability focus of the project, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed strong optimism about its transformative impact on the state.

Bago was quoted to have stated: “When you say sustainability, affordability is very important.

“When I heard that a mini-grid has been deployed in Jos, it’s because it’s affordable. Diesel is not sustainable because it’s not affordable.

“For considering the factor of affordability in this project, we’re grateful.”

As part of Niger State’s commitment to the project, Governor Bago announced: “So, Honourable Minister, Niger State is bringing forward 100,000 hectares of land for this project.

“I want to assure you that with this initiative, you have solved 80 percent of our problems.”

Drawing a direct link to the Federal Government’s development agenda, Governor Bago noted, “We’ve gone across the world and seen how people transit from poverty to prosperity.”

The governor noted: “And I think the goal of the President, my father, is for us to transition our people out of poverty in the next four years, by the grace of God.”

Speaking on the MoU with Niger State also, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated,  who attended the ceremony alongside other critical stakeholders, including the building contractor, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality delivery and agricultural productivity.

Dr. Takang assured the Niger State Government of the contractor’s proven competence and credibility in delivering mass housing projects, stressing that affordability would not come at the expense of quality.

He also stated: “We want affordable and decent houses. The fact that they are located in rural communities does not mean the quality should be compromised.”

According to him, beyond housing, Dr. Takang as well highlighted MOFI’s broader role in strengthening the agricultural component of the settlements through strategic partnerships.

The Managing Director/CEO said: “We have partners who will supply affordable fertilisers imported in large quantities.

“We will also work with other partners to ensure access to key agricultural inputs, not only fertilisers, but also pesticides, high-quality seeds, and elements of mechanisation.”

The statement noted the project adopts an innovative financing model that blends public assets with private investment, ensuring sustainability, transparency, and shared risk.

Through this approach, the government focuses on policy direction and oversight while leveraging private sector efficiency and capital.

Beyond improving food security, the Mass Housing and Agricultural Settlement Project will stimulate broad-based economic activity and generate employment across construction, agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, logistics, and community services.

The initiative will support local industries such as cement, steel, transportation, and agro-allied enterprises, while strengthening rural economies and increasing Niger State’s internally generated revenue, the statement noted.

The stakeholders as well acknowledged that affordability and inclusiveness would remain central to the design of the project.

The settlements are tailored to the income realities of farmers and low- to middle-income earners, supported by transparent allocation mechanisms and strong governance structures to ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

The Ministry affirmed that the Federal Government’s MoU with the state sent a clear signal to the investment community that Niger State, working in alignment with the Federal Ministry of Finance and MOFI, is open to credible, well-structured, and impact-driven investment.

Developers, financial institutions, pension funds, real estate investors, and agribusiness operators are invited to view the project as a scalable and replicable model.

Reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Finance’s commitment, Minister Uzoka-Anite assured stakeholders of continued coordination, fiscal discipline, and policy support to ensure the project moves swiftly from signing to execution and delivery.

Commending the leadership of MOFI and the Executive Governor of Niger State, she added the initiative reflects a shared vision for integrated development.

The Minister stated: “Through this partnership, we are not just building houses; we are creating stable farming communities, strengthening food security, and laying the foundation for sustained prosperity in Niger State.”

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