In a decisive move to revolutionise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and achieve true food sovereignty, President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of 2,000 tractors, implements and modern equipment for mechanised farming, aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring national food and nutrition security.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Agricultural Seeds Council Complex, Sheda, Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture landscape through modernised farming practices that will secure the country’s food systems and elevate millions out of poverty.
Describing the event as a landmark milestone in the administration’s food security agenda, the President said it represents a bold step towards empowering farmers, creating jobs and stimulating rural development in line with his ‘Renewed Hope’ vision.
“We are very proud of what we are doing here today. We made a promise when we assumed office and today we are fulfilling it. Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on the looming food security crisis confronting our nation. I demanded immediate and innovative solutions. Today’s launch marks the beginning of our response to that call,” Tinubu stated.
He stressed that agricultural productivity is inseparable from national stability and that the capacity to feed the population underpins a prosperous and resilient country.
“This administration recognises that the ability to nourish our citizens is the foundation for a stable nation. But our ambitions go far beyond self-sufficiency. We see Nigeria becoming a global agricultural powerhouse, exporting quality produce to the world while ensuring that every Nigerian has access to affordable, nutritious food,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the newly launched mechanisation programme would deliver the 2,000 tractors and implements nationwide through a service-provider model, giving smallholder farmers unprecedented access to modern equipment, reducing labour burdens and significantly increasing yields.
According to him, “We must seize this moment to secure true agricultural independence. Nigeria has fertile land, hardworking people, and now, the modern tools. Let history remember today as the turning point – when modern technology joined hands with our farmers’ legendary resilience to unlock greater prosperity for all.”
The president applauded the vital role played by international partners, especially the Republic of Belarus, in supplying the high-quality machinery, transferring technical know-how and training Nigerian operators and technicians.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its proactive leadership and urged stakeholders to ensure maximum accountability in deploying and maintaining the equipment.
“To all those who will receive and manage this equipment, use it wisely and efficiently. We will monitor you, work with you, and hold you accountable every step of the way,” Tinubu declared.
He further called on all Nigerians to actively support the agricultural transformation drive by embracing mechanised farming and contributing to national food sovereignty.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari recalled that on July 13, 2023, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security and gave a presidential directive for urgent solutions. He said mechanisation was immediately prioritised under the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Kyari highlighted four key initiatives under the administration’s mechanisation roadmap: the John Deere Tractorisation Programme, the Greener Hope Project, the Green Imperative Programme and the newly launched Belarus-backed project.
He explained that the Belarus partnership, implemented in collaboration with AfTrade DMCC and supported by the Republic of Belarus, has delivered 2,000 tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements and 9,000 spare parts kits for Nigeria’s farmers.
“Never in our nation’s history have we seen an agricultural mechanisation effort of this size, scale, and national ambition. Today, we are witnessing the largest single mechanisation rollout ever undertaken in Nigeria,” the minister said.
He stated that the initiative is projected to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, yield more than two million metric tonnes of staple food annually, create over 16,000 direct jobs and positively impact over 550,000 farming households across the country.
A statement from the ministry’s director of information signed by Ikemefuna Ezeaja revealed that the comprehensive programme includes mandatory training for all operators, GPS tracking of machinery for transparency, a structured repayment plan for beneficiaries and free equipment allocations to agricultural research and training institutions.
He added that the scheme would also engage Nigeria’s youth by opening up new opportunities in equipment operation, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation, thereby equipping young Nigerians with skills critical for a modern agricultural economy.
In a goodwill message delivered at the launch, the deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Viktor Karenkevich congratulated Tinubu and the Nigerian people for rolling out a strategic, timely and bold initiative to strengthen national food security.
He said Tinubu’s choice of Belarus as a trusted partner for agricultural mechanisation reflects the deep and growing friendship between the two countries.
Karenkevich noted that Belarusian machinery is recognised worldwide for its durability, affordability and reliability and is currently used in over 100 countries.
He confirmed Belarus’ readiness to support Nigeria through the second and third phases of the partnership, which will include setting up local service and maintenance centres for the machinery, establishing assembly plants for agricultural equipment in Nigeria, building grain storage complexes, and training more Nigerians to operate and maintain advanced farming machinery.
The statement noted that dignitaries present at the launch included the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State; Representatives of the Senate and House committees on agriculture; members of the National Assembly; leaders of farmers’ associations and key development partners who pledged continued support for Nigeria’s quest for food security and agricultural transformation.
