President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the deployment of 2,000 tractors, along with agricultural implements and equipment, to strengthen mechanised farming and boost food and nutrition security across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch held at the Agricultural Seeds Council Complex in Sheda, Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s agriculture sector through modernisation and farmer empowerment.
Describing the initiative as a milestone in his food security agenda, the President recalled his earlier warning about Nigeria’s food crisis, noting that the intervention was a fulfillment of his pledge to tackle the issue with urgency and innovation.
“We are proud of what we’re doing. This marks the beginning of a bold new era. Two years ago, I raised the alarm on food security. Today’s launch is the first phase of our response,” he said.
Tinubu emphasised that agricultural productivity is essential to national stability and sovereignty, adding:
“We see Nigeria becoming a global agricultural powerhouse—feeding both the world and our citizens with affordable, nutritious food. This mechanisation programme is just the beginning.”
The 2,000 tractors and accompanying equipment will be distributed nationwide under a service-provider model designed to support smallholder farmers by reducing manual labour and increasing crop yields.
“This is our chance to achieve agricultural independence. Nigeria has the land, the people, and now, the tools. Let history record this day as the turning point of an agricultural renaissance,” Tinubu said.
The President also acknowledged international support, especially from the Republic of Belarus, which was instrumental in supplying the equipment and providing technical and training assistance.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for spearheading the rollout and called for accountability among all stakeholders.
“Use the equipment efficiently. We will supervise and hold everyone accountable,” he warned.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to take ownership of the agricultural transformation drive and work collectively toward achieving food sovereignty.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, noted that Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on food security on July 13, 2023, mandating urgent and innovative solutions.
Kyari outlined four flagship initiatives under the administration’s mechanisation policy: John Deere Tractorisation Programme, Greener Hope Project, Green Imperative Programme, Belarus Tractor Scheme
He explained that the Belarus collaboration, implemented with AfTrade DMCC and the Belarusian government, delivered 2,000 tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements, and 9,000 spare part kits.
“This is the largest and most ambitious mechanisation initiative in Nigeria’s history,” Kyari said, adding that the programme is projected to: Cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, Produce over 2 million metric tons of staple food, Create more than 16,000 jobs Directly benefit 550,000 farming households.
The programme also includes mandatory training for operators, GPS tracking for accountability, structured repayment plans, and free equipment for research institutions.
Kyari further noted that the initiative will create new opportunities for youth in equipment operation, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation.
In his goodwill message, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karenkevich congratulated Nigeria for embarking on a timely and strategic move to bolster food security.
He praised Nigeria’s decision to partner with Belarus, citing the reliability, affordability, and global reputation of Belarusian equipment, used in over 100 countries.
Karenkevich expressed Belarus’ commitment to advancing to the next phases of the partnership, which will include: Establishing service and maintenance hubs in Nigeria, Setting up local assembly plants, Building grain storage facilities, Expanding training for Nigerian technicians and farmers.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including APC National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, lawmakers from the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture, members of the National Assembly, farmers’ associations, and development partners.
