The commissioning ceremony marked the programme's formal launch at the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Sheda, along the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transforming Nigeria's agriculture sector by modernising farming practices and ensuring national food security.
He described the initiative as a landmark moment in his administration's food security agenda and a crucial part of efforts to empower farmers and stimulate rural development.
"We are very proud of what we are doing. We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise. Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on our nation's food security crisis. I demanded immediate and innovative solutions. That, again, is answered today—this is the first phase of it.
"This government recognises that agricultural productivity is synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty. The ability to nourish our population forms the bedrock of a prosperous nation. Our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency.
"We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse—supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen can access affordable, nutritious food.
"That's why we took a bold decision to establish this new agricultural mechanisation programme. We are just beginning," he said.
The President disclosed that the 2,000 tractors and accompanying implements would be distributed nationwide through a service-provider model to support smallholder farmers with access to modern equipment, reduce manual labour, and increase yields.
"We must seize this opportunity to achieve agricultural independence. Nigeria has the land, the people, and the tools. Let history recall this day as the beginning of Nigeria's agricultural renaissance—where modern technology met our farmers' legendary resilience to usher in greater prosperity," he said.
The President acknowledged the contributions of international partners, especially the Republic of Belarus, which played a key role in procuring the equipment, transferring technology, and providing training support for Nigerians.
"We have friends across the world. We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youth—teach them how to do things, get them off the streets, and empower them in technology, machinery, and fabrication," he said.
President Tinubu paid special tribute to Alex Sigman, a Belarusian businessman and former classmate at the University of Chicago, for facilitating the collaboration.
"Alex was my very good neighbour and schoolmate in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus—working together to promote the prosperity of our two countries.
"I believe our university will be very proud that we are doing this here today," he said.
President Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its proactive leadership in rolling out the programme and called for strict stakeholder accountability.
"To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy it with maximum efficiency. We will work with you, supervise you, and hold you accountable," the President stated.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to take ownership of the agricultural transformation drive and contribute actively to achieving food sovereignty.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari recalled that on July 13, 2023, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security and issued a presidential directive for urgent and innovative solutions.
He noted that mechanisation was placed at the core of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister outlined four key initiatives launched under the Tinubu administration's mechanisation policy, including the John Deere Tractorisation Programme, the Greener Hope Project, the Green Imperative Programme, and the newly launched 2000 tractors procured from Belarus.
According to him, the Belarus Project, implemented in collaboration with AfTrade DMCC and supported by the Republic of Belarus, delivered 2,000 high-quality tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements, and 9,000 spare part kits.
"Never in Nigeria's history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus. We are today unveiling the single largest mechanisation drive ever undertaken in our country," the minister said.
He added that the programme is expected to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, produce more than 2 million metric tons of staple food, create over 16,000 jobs, and directly benefit over 550,000 farming households.
Other programme components include mandatory operator training, GPS-enabled tracking for accountability, a structured repayment model, and pro bono equipment allocations to research and training institutions.
He further stated that the initiative will engage Nigeria's youth through new roles in equipment handling, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation.
Dignitaries present at the event included the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; representatives of the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture; members of the National Assembly, farmers' cooperatives, and development partners
This is good.
ReplyDeletePlease work on securing the lives of farmers, they have to be safe doing what they love doing.
Putting the cart before the horse. Security should be priority now because farmers are being killed and nothing substantial has been done. Instead, the terrorists are granted amnesty to keep killing.
DeleteEach state is expected to receive about 55 trucks, which will then be distributed across the various local government areas. I sincerely hope the distribution process is well-managed and transparently executed. This initiative should serve as a strong encouragement for farming activities within each state, helping to reduce the overdependence on the North for food supply.
ReplyDeleteGood! Help with security issues too so they can put the tractors to good use.
ReplyDeleteGood One Sir. 👌🏻
ReplyDeleteWhat about the security of farmers? Please do something about it.
ReplyDeleteWell done Mr President. The farmers can't do their jobs,without proper security.
ReplyDeleteHmmm this would be sold and cannibalised in no time by corrupt Nigerians. I remember when I was younger, my local government alone has more than 40 tractors,the drivers will collect money from people along the way and encourage people not to come to the office to pay. In no time all the tractors fell into disrepair and broke down one after the other until none is functional. Meanwhile the drivers make quick money and buy motorbikes for okada. Nigerians are the ones that will make Nigeria work if they want. We are so cruel and corrupt, only few are good.
ReplyDelete