The Federal Government has secured a Certificate of Occupancy from the Niger State Government for the Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities (SIPC) programme, a groundbreaking initiative that combines mass housing, agriculture, renewable energy, and enterprise development to drive inclusive growth.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the programme as a structured settlement plan for farmers aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and improving livelihoods.
“By anchoring farmers in stable communities with access to basic infrastructure, this project will enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve security, and encourage youth participation in agriculture,” she said.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite highlighted that rural-urban migration, insecure settlements, and poor infrastructure have long constrained farming communities, and the SIPC programme directly addresses these challenges. The initiative integrates renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered homes and community facilities, to support agro-processing, storage, and sustainable land use, alongside access roads, water supply, and environmentally responsible construction.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to the initiative, citing the state’s abundant land resources and focus on agricultural development. He pledged 100,000 hectares for the pilot phase and announced plans to provide each local government with 10 tractors and two combined harvesters to support local production.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of the SIPC programme, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustainable development.
The programme adopts an innovative financing model that blends public assets with private investment, promoting sustainability and shared risk. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of MOFI, emphasized that the initiative ensures rural communities benefit directly from Nigeria’s land and asset base.
The SIPC programme is positioned to attract developers, financial institutions, pension funds, and agribusiness investors, with Niger State’s 100,000 hectares forming the pilot phase. The Federal Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to supporting state governments in delivering impactful, sustainable development programmes.
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