By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Government of Germany, on Wednesday launched the €18.3 million EU-VACE TARED Project, a four-year programme designed to transform the country’s agricultural sector through climate-smart practices, value chain development, and job creation.
The initiative, formally titled Agriculture Value Chain Facility Transformative Agricultural Systems for Rural Economic Development, will focus on four critical value chains cocoa, dairy, tomatoes, and ginger. Running from October 2024 to September 2028, the project will be implemented by the German agency GIZ, alongside Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Seven states which includes Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ondo, Oyo, and Plateau have been selected as hubs for implementation. The project seeks to enhance food security, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen resilience against climate shocks, and expand opportunities for women and youth in agribusiness.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting its emphasis on food security, inclusivity, and economic growth. He announced a steering committee to oversee transparency and ensure alignment with national priorities.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector, stressing that the country spends $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports. “We believe together we can change the narrative by creating local industries, employing people, and improving quality of life,” he said.
The Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, described the project as part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and Team Europe initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable and commercially viable agriculture. He confirmed the EU is investing over €87m in agriculture and climate resilience programmes in Nigeria, with nearly €1.5bn committed under green economy initiatives.
Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne, called the project a strategic investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future, while GIZ Nigeria Deputy Country Director, Oladoyin Olawaiye, stressed that EU-VACE TARED is “about more than agriculture it is about creating jobs, building resilience, and giving young Nigerians opportunities to thrive.”
The project will support smallholder farmers, boost access to finance and international markets, and foster innovation in climate-smart farming, reinforcing agriculture as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.
