The National Agricultural Land Development Authority and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create farming clusters aimed at improving the livelihoods of internally displaced persons and migrants across Nigeria.
The partnership, formalized in Abuja on Wednesday, is part of the Renewed Hope Restoration Project.
This initiative seeks to establish sustainable settlements for displaced communities on land ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 hectares in selected states, including Oyo, Katsina, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Abia, and Cross River.
It is designed to integrate IDPs and migrants into agricultural activities, providing resources for rebuilding their lives and contributing to national food security.
Speaking at the event, NALDA’s Executive Secretary, Cornelius Adebayo, highlighted the project as a key step under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the challenges faced by refugees, migrants, and displaced persons.
He explained, “For us, we are more than just an agency; we are a catalyst for change to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Our mission has always been to empower people through agriculture, and today, we are extending that mission to those who have been displaced by conflict, disaster, and hardship.”
The project promises to provide access to land, agricultural inputs, modern farming techniques, and market linkages, alongside infrastructural development and technical support.
Adebayo noted that Nigeria has approximately 2.5 million IDPs due to factors like insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, as well as 35,000 refugees in Cameroon.
He emphasized, “This project will help these communities transform challenges into opportunities, turning barren fields into fertile grounds for growth, prosperity, hope, and breaking the cycle of dependence.”
Similarly, the Federal Commissioner and CEO of NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, described the partnership as a transformative initiative to deliver sustainable solutions for IDPs.
He remarked, “With this partnership, we are on the verge of making history as well as expanding our horizon to cover more states in the country.”
Ahmed stressed the importance of moving beyond handouts for IDPs, stating, “You all will agree with me that when this programme fully commences, the era of giving handouts and starter packs to IDPs by the commission will become unfashionable. The commission, under my leadership, deeply believes that it is better to teach a man how to catch fish than to give him fish.”
The farming clusters, cultivated by IDPs, aim to boost financial independence, alleviate poverty, and restore livelihoods.
Ahmed stressed, “This initiative will provide an opportunity to rebuild their lives and to become active contributors to Nigeria’s growth… It is a major catalyst and a pivot around which so many displaced Nigerians will regain their livelihood in dignity.”
