REPORT ON A THREE (3) DAY TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP -

Report on a Three (3) day Technical Implementation Workshop Organized for States on Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Investment in Agriculture(FRILIA) held from 15th - 17th April, 2024 at Nigerian Governor's Forum Secretariat, Abuja.

1. Preface
The Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Finance (FMOF) and in Partnership with World Bank organized a three days step down Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Investment in Agriculture (FRILIA) technical implementation workshop for states that have keyed into this unique and strategic reform.

FRILIA is a framework designed to create a win-win systematic step-by-step approach towards achieving a sustainable land based agricultural investment within a particular community or state.

2. Attendance
Ten (10) States participated at the three (3) days FRILIA implementation technical workshop namely; Niger, Ekiti, Plateau, Borno, Kebbi, Imo, Edo, Zamfara, Nassarawa and Oyo.
Below are the delegates that represented Niger State at the workshop:
i. Aliyu Sanusi SABER Focal Person – OGP/SABER Focal Office
ii. ESV. Ahmad Usman Pai Head of Lands, NIGI Agency /Ministry of Lands & Survey
iii. Mohammed Salihu Asst. Director, Ministry of Agriculture
iv. Emmanuel O. Nwogwugwu Head, Investment Promotion & Research Niger State Investment Promotion Agency

3. Opening Remarks
3.1 The Director General (Mr. Asishana Bayo Okauru Esq) Nigerian Governor’s Forum(NGF) welcomed participants from various States after which he disclosed that under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program, NGF is working collaboratively with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank to deliver advisory and capacity building support to States.

He observed that Land-based investment in Nigeria has been marred by various challenges ranging from lack of clarity on governance mechanisms; weak administrative support systems for stakeholders; poor data; little or no recognition for inclusion, gender equality and cultural values; poor engagement with host community; disproportionate compensation and resettlement for persons displaced.

These he said, have impacted negatively on the cost of doing business, agriculture value chain, livelihood, environment and ultimately, economic development”.

To address these challenges, he emphasized that State Governments seeking out investment for intensive Land-based agriculture, must think through strengthening their governance and administrative systems by ensuring that, issues of inclusion, gender equality, fair compensation, environmental as well as social sustainability are prioritized, and that established guidelines thereof are adhered to by all stakeholders

3.2 In his remarks, the National Programme Coordinator, State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Dr. Ali Mohammed stated that, the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) is jointly organized for Sub-nationals by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the World Bank.

He reminded participants that, the SABER Program is a 3-year (2023-2025) $750 million programme for results that seeks to incentivise States to implement critical reforms aimed at improving efficiency in land administration, deepening the regulatory framework for private investment in fibre optic deployment, boosting services provided by investment promotion agencies and public private partnership units, among others.

FRILIA is one of the many reforms advocated by the programme and the World Bank, is offering up to US$4.5 million to each participating state that meets the requirements.

He stated that, although food production has been increasingly steady, attaining food security remains a major challenge.

Affirming that, the government has intervened in terms of making financing and inputs available, but a more systemic approach around land administration and compliance with best practice standards has remained an issue.

He advised the Sub- National governments to employ an operating model that would impact positively on livelihood and the environment respectively.

He believed that, the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) would provide the roadmap for attaining these objectives

4.0 PRESENTATIONS DAY ONE
4.1 DEEPENING FRILIA ADOPTION IN NIGERIA
(Delivered by Olanrewaju Ajogbasile Senr. Program Manager, NGF.)

He gave an overview of SABER Program, that will enable sub-nationals carry out reforms on business environment. He stated further that, the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Investment in Agriculture (FRILIA)is a systematic approach adopted by the NGF in collaboration with FMOF and World Bank designed to align and sustain all intensive agricultural investments/ projects at the sub-national levels to FRILIA principles/ guidelines.

He explained that, the 2023-2024 Requirements for the FRILIA is, having an Executive Order or equivalent issued by the Governor of a State which should cover at minimum the followings:

i. Commitment to adoption and implementation of a Framework for Responsible Investment in Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) and reason for adoption by States.
ii. Guiding Principles covering overarching investment, recognition and protection of land rights, state land acquisition and resettlement, environmental and social responsibility.
iii. Establishment, powers and functions of a steering committee.
iv. Establishment and functions of the technical committee.
v. Establishment of a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
While that of 2025 would also entail;
i. Publish Guidelines/toolkits, or their equivalent
ii. FRILIA, or equivalent, under satisfactory implementation with at least 1 pilot investment materialized under FRILIA and as confirmed by a social audit.

4.2 STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT
(Delivered by Ade Sofola, NGF FRILIA SME)

The presentation centred on the followings:
i. Conformity to FRILIA Principle
ii. Reference to FRILIA Principles
iii.Effective Consultation Practices under FRILIA

The session also highlighted the requirements for Implementation of a successful Stakeholders Engagement under FRILIA, these includes:
1. Stakeholders Engagement Plan
2. Potential Investment
3. Grievance Management
4. Monitoring & Evaluation

In addition, participants were taken through the concept of Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) needed to help implement the stakeholder’s forum. The Interest-Influence Matrix for Stakeholder Analysis was also elaborated.

DAY TWO
4.3 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM) – Delivered by Oladipupo Sofowora, NGF FRILIA SME

The presentation dwelt on the concept that would address complaints, disputes, or grievances that may arise from various stakeholders involved in agricultural investments, particularly those related to land use, ownership, or management.

It laid emphasis on some key steps to be adopted (in line with FRILIA component) to attain a successful GRM in States based on peculiarities. A sample GRM toolkit for Kaduna and Ogun was presented for peer learning purposes.

4.4 COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN RESPONSIBLE LAND-BASED AGRICULTURE
(Delivered by Oladipupo Sofowora, NGF FRILIA SME)

The presentation focused on the need for states to adopt the Community Need Assessment (CNA) approach, which would help to identify the needs, aspirations, and potential concerns of the local communities before implementation of any land-based agricultural Investment.

He also highlighted the procedures, framework, best practices, strategies and challenges of the Community Needs Assessment.

4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (ESRM)
(Delivered by Tiwalade Adeniyi, NGF FRILIA SME)

He explained the rationale of ESRM in FRILIA-related investment that would ensure environmental & social impact, risks, and opportunities associated with any FRILIA project identified, ranked, and mitigated/enhanced in line with regulations and globally accepted best practices.

4.6 LAND ACCESS, EASEMENT & INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT MANAGEMENT
(Delivered by: Andrew Smith, NGF FRILIA SME)

The presentation centered on scenarios that require application of FRILIA principles to resolve/ manage and mitigate the emergence of crisis and that; there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution on Land Access, Easement & Involuntary Resettlement Management.

Therefore, every investment invites unique dialogue with target stakeholders comprising of the investor, the state/LG and the concerned community to pursue equitable outcomes that will ensure that, the investment benefits all parties.

4.7 VALUATION, COMPENSATION AND NEGOTIATING FAIR CONTRACTS
(Delivered by: Darryl Vhugen, World Bank)

His presentation dwelled on land acquisition, valuation, compensation and negotiation of fair contract for any land-based investment in agriculture under the FRILIA.

He emphasized that particular attention should be paid to the engagement and needs of vulnerable groups among those displaced, especially those below the poverty line, the landless, elderly, women and children, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, or other legislation. displaced persons who may not be protected through national land compensation

DAY THREE 4.8
OUTGROWER MODEL FOR RESPONSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE LAND INTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT

(Delivered by: Oladipupo Sofowora NGF FRILIA SME)

He highlighted major out-grower models and strategies used in agricultural investments, particularly in land-intensive sectors, to promote responsible and inclusive practices.

5.0 NEXT STEPS FOR STATES

1. Inauguration of multi-stakeholder FRILIA Technical Committee. (Take note of the DLI requirement)
2. Development and approval of FRILIA implementation work plan.
3. The State technical committee to develop FRILIA Toolkits.
4. States to utilize the window of on peer learning /experience sharing Tours to States / Countries (i.e. Kaduna, Lagos, Uganda and Ethiopia) that have implemented the FRILIA Model.
5. State to set up the FRILIA GRM system for any FRILIA Investment project in the state
6. Development and approval of FRILIA Implementation Work-plan

6.0 RECOMMENDATION

1. The need to hold regular meetings of the State Enabling Business Environment Council (SEBEC), SABER Steering Committee and FRILIA Committees (Steering / Technical).
2. Inauguration of Multi-stakeholder FRILIA Committees and communication to H.E on the FRILIA program, its importance and derivable benefits to the State.
3. The FRILIA technical team should seek for technical support from NGF / Resource Persons to facilitate the attainment of the outlined deliverables( toolkits, GRM and selection of a pilot project).
4. The State to adopt the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) system for any land- based investment in agricultural project.
5. The need for the FRILIA steering and technical Committee to monitor the activities and progress of FRILIA in the state to ensure compliance with the FRILIA principles.
6. Adequate funding of the FRILIA Work-plan so as to achieve results

7.0 CONCLUSSION
8.0 COMMUNIQUE
To be forwarded to us from Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
9.0 RECOMMENDATION
i. The state government to sustain the attendance of this workshop as may be organized periodically in order take advantage of all discussions/presentation/decisions for economic growth and development of the state.
ii. The state to sustain the existing synergy between the Federal MDAS and state for an improved flow of information on investment related issues.
iii. The state government through the NSIPA to organized periodic sensitization on IPPA related issues and other investment related activities.
iv. Niger State Government is expected to host next workshop in 2025.
v. NSIPA to participate /carried along in outbound mission’s /investment drive of the State in order to consolidate on wooing investors into the state.

It is worthy to mention that, the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Investments in Agriculture (FRILIA) Model has the following concerns and part of the cardinal principles, amongst others:

i. Respect human rights and tenure rights
ii. Ensure responsible land acquisition and use
iii. Conduct thorough impact assessments and address potential negative impacts
iv. Engage in meaningful stakeholder consultation and participation
v. Promote inclusive and equitable development
vi. Support sustainable agriculture and environmental practices
vii. Ensure transparency and accountability
viii. Provide fair compensation and support for displaced communities
ix. Prioritize local food security and livelihoods
x. Encourage multi-stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing

Therefore, it is aimed at promoting responsible agricultural investments that balances economic, social and environmental considerations, and most importantly prioritizes the rights and well-being of local communities and stakeholders.

Emmanuel O. Nwogwugwu
Head, Investment Promotion & Research Niger State Investment Promotion Agency.