Democracy Day: Tinubu announces move to enhance food production
President Tinubu Emphasizes Agriculture’s Role in Economic Recovery
President Bola Tinubu underscored the critical importance of agriculture in his administration’s strategy for economic recovery and growth during his Democracy Day address. He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure and mechanization that are enhancing connections between producers and markets, thus creating new opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
As part of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) initiative, Tinubu announced plans to deploy 10,000 tractors nationwide. This initiative aims to promote enterprise development, generate employment, and boost food production, all part of efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“The infrastructure projects across the nation are linking producers to markets, generating opportunities for enterprise and employment,” Tinubu stated. “The National Agricultural Development Fund is set to deploy 10,000 tractors over a five-year period.”
The president also reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing inflation, increasing food production, creating jobs, and improving living standards, despite the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians.
Notably, NADF has entered into a $70 million procurement agreement with AGCOMS International Trading Limited for the supply of 2,000 John Deere tractors for farmers. This contract marks the first phase of a broader effort directed by the presidency to supply 10,000 tractors over the next five years.
During the contract signing ceremony, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and CEO of NADF, described the program as a strategic initiative to modernize agriculture and enhance farm productivity. He indicated that the initiative would include not only tractors but also essential equipment such as ridgers, harrowers, and combine harvesters.
Ibrahim noted that the Federal Executive Council approved the initiative in October, following extensive negotiations with John Deere and other stakeholders. “We have spent three months in rigorous negotiations with John Deere and have engaged with stakeholders to ensure the program’s success,” he said.
Additionally, Ibrahim announced final arrangements with the Nigerian Ports Authority for an assembly plant to facilitate local assembly and distribution of the tractors throughout Nigeria. The program aims to enhance access to modern agricultural machinery, stimulate local industrial activities, improve technical skills, and create job opportunities.
Chijioke Okoli, Country Director of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, emphasized that the initiative represents a comprehensive mechanization effort rather than just equipment procurement. The program is anticipated to significantly impact Nigeria’s agricultural sector by reducing reliance on manual farming, expanding cultivated land, and improving productivity.
