President Bola Tinubu on Monday reiterated that his government is on track to deliver on its pledge to transform Nigeria into a leading global force in agriculture. Tinubu, who spoke at the launch of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme in Abuja said his administration’s ongoing reforms were specifically designed to make agriculture more attractive and appealing to young Nigerians.
He disclosed that the government had secured over 2,000 state-of-the-art tractors, 50 heavy-duty bulldozers for land preparation, 12 fully equipped mobile workshops, and more than 9,000 specialised farming tools. According to the President, these resources would drive agricultural mechanisation across the country, provide employment opportunities, and make farming easier and more enticing to the younger generation.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria’s youth to move beyond outdated farming practices and embrace modern, efficient methods suitable for today’s global agricultural landscape. Tinubu further revealed that the Federal Government was partnering with international organisations to equip young people with contemporary agricultural skills that would enable them to become financially self-sufficient.
He explained that the government’s approach focused on enabling year-round farming, which would significantly reduce Nigeria’s historic dependence on seasonal cultivation and eliminate recurring food shortages. Highlighting international collaboration, Tinubu noted that Nigeria had strong allies, including Belarus, who were committed to supporting youth empowerment initiatives.
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These partnerships, he said, would offer training in agricultural technology, machinery operation, equipment maintenance, and fabrication, helping young people develop valuable technical expertise and sustainable livelihoods. “The nationwide distribution of this equipment presents a crucial opportunity. With the vast expanse of fertile land and favourable climate at our disposal, we must now take decisive steps towards achieving total food self-sufficiency and agricultural independence,” Tinubu stated.
The President urged beneficiaries of the programme to use the equipment responsibly and assured them that he would remain closely involved with the programme’s key stakeholders to ensure its success. “Let this day mark the dawn of Nigeria’s agricultural revolution — where advanced technology meets the timeless dedication of our farmers, unlocking unparalleled prosperity,” he added.
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President Tinubu also praised the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its proactive measures in tackling the nation’s food security challenges and stabilising the agricultural sector. Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abdullahi, described the scheme as the first of four key initiatives mandated by the President.
He added that Nigeria’s current mechanisation level of just 0.27 horsepower per hectare would be significantly boosted to approximately 2.5 horsepower per hectare through this programme, aligning the country with global standards. He said the initiative is particularly significant because it was designed to address Nigeria’s low mechanisation levels.
The minister said with the equipment, the ministry expects to see a dramatic shift from the current 0.27 horsepower per hectare to nearly 2.5— a leap that will bring us in line with international benchmarks.” He added that the modern machinery would not only reduce the physical burden on farmers but would also substantially increase agricultural productivity.
