Farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun, Edo to Access Equipment

Smallholder farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Edo states are set to benefit from a new partnership between the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) and Heifer Nigeria. This initiative aims to provide affordable access to tractors, irrigation systems, and other modern farming equipment.

A two-year Memorandum of Understanding was signed, effective from August 15, 2026, to August 14, 2028, under Heifer Nigeria’s Naija Unlock Programme. The initiative will utilize flexible leasing and lease-to-own models to help farmers, cooperatives, women, and young agripreneurs acquire necessary equipment without high upfront costs.

Donald Wokoma, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ELRA, stated that this agreement marks a significant advancement in agricultural financing and addresses barriers to food production. Lekan Tobe, the Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, emphasized the importance of access to productive assets for transforming agriculture and improving livelihoods.

The program is expected to serve as a model for expansion across Nigeria.