Nigeria Launches 2,000 Tractors for Food Sovereignty

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the distribution of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 spare parts as part of a significant agricultural mechanization program aimed at achieving food sovereignty. The initiative, described by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, is the largest single agricultural mechanization program ever undertaken on the African continent.

The first tranche includes 600 tractors, with subsequent phases deploying 750 and 650 tractors, ultimately benefiting 1.2 million farmers across 1.5 million hectares. The tractors will not be privately owned but will be entrusted to Mechanization Service Providers (MSPs), which will service approximately 600 hectares per year.

The program includes two years of free service support and the establishment of seven mega mechanization service centers across the nation. Additionally, a mega tractor assembly plant is planned to produce 2,000 to 4,000 tractors annually, reducing import dependency.

The initiative is supported by a ₦50 billion catalytic seed fund from the Bank of Industry and aims to mobilize ₦250 billion for smallholder farmers by 2026.