Niger State in Nigeria plans to purchase Russian agricultural machinery and irrigation systems worth over 10 billion rubles to expand the area of farmland in the region. This was reported in a press release from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade following a meeting between a delegation from Niger State and representatives of the ministry.
"The Nigerian side presented plans for the development of modern mechanized agriculture in Niger State, including projects for cultivating sesame, soybeans, corn, and cotton. As part of bringing 1 million hectares of agricultural land into cultivation in the state, purchases of Russian agricultural machinery and irrigation systems worth over 10 billion rubles are planned," the ministry stated.
The delegation from the Nigerian region was led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, while the Russian side was represented by State Secretary – Deputy Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Roman Chekushov. The meeting also included representatives from the Nigerian agribusiness sector, Russian agricultural machinery manufacturers, staff from the Russian Export Center (REC), and representatives from the banking sector.
During the negotiations, the company Strategy Partners presented the African delegation with a project for developing Nigeria's agro-industrial complex. The project aims to increase crop yields and agricultural efficiency in Nigeria through the introduction of Russian technologies. According to the company, the project will also help deepen economic ties between Russia and Africa.
"The parties paid special attention to mutual trade issues. The Russian side discussed the initiative to import high-quality cotton and sesame from Nigeria. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to develop a roadmap for cooperation in the agro-industrial sector, including trade, investment, and technology exchange," the ministry added.
Earlier in October, the Governor of Niger State participated in the "Golden Autumn" agricultural exhibition in Moscow. At that time, Umaru Bago stated that he considers Russia a key partner in the agricultural sector.
Angelina Shemyakina
