President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday launched the deployment of 2,000 tractors across Nigeria, describing it as a significant step in addressing the country’s deepening food production crisis.
The flag-off, held at the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Sheda, Abuja, is part of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the tractors, along with other farming equipment, will be made available across the country through a service-provider model targeting smallholder farmers. According to him, the aim is to ease the burden of manual farming, boost yields, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
“We must seize this opportunity to achieve agricultural independence,” he said. “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.”
Tinubu also acknowledged Belarus for supporting the programme with equipment, training, and technology transfer. “We have friends across the world. Belarus has 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.
The president mentioned that his relationship with Belarusian businessman Alex Sigman, whom he met as a student at the University of Chicago, helped facilitate the partnership.
“Alex was my very good neighbour and schoolmate in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would become President of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus—working together to promote the prosperity of our two countries,” he said.
Tinubu, however, stressed the need for accountability in the handling of the equipment. “To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy it with maximum efficiency. We will work with you, supervise you, and hold you accountable,” he warned.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the launch follows the President’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security in July 2023.
“Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus,” he said.
Kyari said the project is designed to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of land and yield more than 2 million metric tons of staple food. He added that it will create at least 16,000 jobs and directly benefit over 500,000 farming households, with provisions for training and support services.
Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister, Viktor Karankevich, speaking on behalf of President Alexander Lukashenko, said, “Today, Belarusian machinery begins to serve the people of Nigeria. This marks the first phase of a landmark bilateral project.”
He announced that subsequent phases will include local assembly of machinery, establishment of maintenance centres, and technical training for Nigerians.
“We come to Africa as friends,” Karankevich said. “We are ready to help you become masters of your land and develop your industry, agriculture, science, and technology.”
