The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited for the management and implementation of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate project in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.

This strategic move is part of the Federal Government's drive to significantly boost food production and create sustainable agricultural communities across the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja, NALDA's Executive Secretary/CEO, Engineer Cornelius Adebayo, described the initiative as a strategic move under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to make agriculture both attractive and profitable for Nigerian youths.

According to him, the project has already commenced in the Ora community in Kwara State, as well as in Ilawe, Ekiti State, and Bauchi State. Arzikin Noma, a private agribusiness anchor, will be responsible for managing the Ora site. The company will finance the participating farmers, while NALDA provides crucial infrastructure such as land preparation and basic amenities.

"This is the era of sexy agriculture, and NALDA is at the forefront of this mandate," Adebayo said. These mega farm settlements are clusters of at least 5,000 hectares, with land cleared, hostels, administrative blocks, warehouses, police stations, and even sporting and recreational facilities to make farming attractive to young Nigerians.

"NALDA is not involved in input or funding. Arzikin Noma will manage and finance the farmers directly because they are also responsible for the quality of output. This model ensures accountability, quality control, and sustainability."

He emphasised that each farmer under the scheme will cultivate an average of five hectares of land, supported by a mechanisation hub providing tractor and equipment services. Farmers will not make any upfront payment, as costs for services will be deducted post-harvest through a transparent wallet system.

Adebayo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that the project will contribute to building Nigeria's middle class and achieving food security.

"This project will create jobs, improve the economy, and rebuild rural communities. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real; our hope is renewed," he said.

The NALDA boss also reaffirmed the agency's commitment to transparency and implementation, highlighting several partnerships that have already been honoured, including collaborations with the Anambra State Government, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti, among others.

He added that NALDA is also partnering with the Nigerian Sugar Development Council to demonstrate the profitability of commercial sugarcane farming, with bulldozers already deployed to the site.

"We are a government agency that honours its agreements. This partnership is another proof that NALDA delivers on its promises," Adebayo said, calling on private sector players in oil, gas, and telecoms to invest in agriculture.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, Mr Michael Adeshola, commended President Tinubu for his foresight and commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable, youth-driven enterprise.

"This partnership is the big one that will transform Nigeria's food system. With NALDA's mandate to open over 10 million hectares in 10 years, Nigeria is closer than ever to achieving food sovereignty."

He added that the collaboration between government, private investors, and development partners would promote climate-smart agriculture, create jobs, reduce rural-urban migration, and make Nigeria a food hub for Africa.

The event coincided with World Food Day, observed globally on October 16, underscoring the partnership's alignment with international efforts to combat hunger and promote food security.