WACOT Limited, a member of the TGI Group, has launched the 2026 Sesame Outgrower Programme in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expanding support to more than 10,000 smallholder farmers in Jigawa State under the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Programme. The initiative aims to improve access to finance, quality inputs, extension services, and sustainable farming practices.
The programme commenced with the distribution of agricultural inputs in Medu Village, located in the Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. It forms part of WACOT’s long-term commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chains and enhancing farmer productivity and livelihoods.
Speaking at the launch, Naveen Chaurasia, managing director of WACOT Limited, said the investment reflects the company’s dedication to building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and global markets. “At WACOT Limited, part of the TGI Group, we are guided by two clear priorities,” Chaurasia said. “First, we are committed to maintaining the international quality standards our customers expect, ensuring nothing compromises the quality of our sesame. Second, as both a buyer and participant across the value chain, we recognise that improving farmers’ livelihoods strengthens the entire ecosystem. When farmers succeed, everyone benefits, and we are proud to continue investing in that shared success.”
Yosola Onanuga noted that the programme continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of farmers. “Over the past seven years, we have consistently invested in building farmers’ capacity through training, extension services and sustainable farming practices,” Onanuga said. “Our partnership with BOA marks another important milestone, enabling us to provide subsidized agri input loans and a structured repayment process for farmers, ensuring a sustainable future.”
Since its inception in 2018, the WACOT Sesame Outgrower Programme has grown from a pilot initiative into one of Nigeria’s leading contract farming schemes, supporting over 10,000 farmers across eight local government areas in Jigawa. Over the past seven years, WACOT has disbursed more than N1 billion in input credit, providing certified seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection products alongside technical support through its Farmers Academy and extension services. The programme places particular emphasis on youth and women’s participation while promoting modern, climate-smart farming practices.
Through the BOA partnership, farmers will receive input loans with repayment made through produce at the end of the farming season. Beyond financing, the collaboration also provides extension services designed to improve yields, product quality, and long-term sustainability. The partnership extends beyond sesame production to include rice farmers in Kebbi State and maize and soya bean farmers in Katsina State.
Representing Ayo Sotinrin, managing director of the Bank of Agriculture, Tosin Salami, executive director of operations, described the partnership as an example of how collaboration can strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “BOA and our partner WACOT provided the economic support and a long-term commitment that gives real and lasting value,” Salami said. “We speak about the real value chain programme, and we provide quality inputs.”
Laure Haladu, a beneficiary from Gagarawa Local Government, said the support has transformed farming and income generation in the community. “WACOT’s support has transformed the way we farm and earn a living. Through training on good agricultural practices and access to quality inputs, our yields have increased significantly, while skills such as briquette and soap making have provided additional sources of income for women farmers in our communities.”
The event brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Jigawa State Ministry of Agriculture, traditional institutions, development partners, participating farmers, and other stakeholders. Activities included symbolic input distribution, technical demonstrations on recommended agronomic practices, financial literacy sessions, and farmer testimonials highlighting the programme’s impact on productivity, household income, and market access.
