President Bola Tinubu has restated that agriculture remains a key part of his administration’s plan to rebuild the economy and drive long-term growth in Nigeria.
He made this known during his Democracy Day address, where he explained that ongoing investments in infrastructure and agricultural mechanisation are helping to connect farmers directly to markets and improve business opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
According to him, the Federal Government, through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), is preparing to roll out about 10,000 tractors across the country. He said the initiative is designed to boost food production, create jobs, and support the growth of agribusiness in Nigeria.
Tinubu also noted that wider economic reforms being implemented by his administration are aimed at strengthening key sectors, improving livelihoods, and reducing pressure on the economy.
He said road and infrastructure projects across the country are already making it easier for farmers to move their goods to markets, while also opening up new opportunities for employment and small businesses.
The President further explained that the tractor deployment programme will be carried out over five years as part of efforts to modernise farming and increase output.
As part of the initiative, the National Agricultural Development Fund has signed a contract worth about $70 million with AGCOMS International Trading Limited for the supply of 2,000 John Deere tractors. This forms the first phase of a larger plan to deliver the full 10,000 tractors nationwide.
Officials say the programme will also include other farm equipment such as ridgers, harrowers, and combine harvesters to support large-scale farming activities.
The Executive Secretary and CEO of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, said the project followed approval from the Federal Executive Council and involved detailed negotiations with partners to ensure successful implementation.
He also revealed that arrangements have been made with the Nigerian Ports Authority to secure space for an assembly plant in Nigeria, which will support local assembly and distribution of the tractors.
According to him, the project is not only about improving access to modern farm machinery but also about encouraging local industrial development, building technical skills, and creating more jobs for Nigerians.
The Country Director of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, Chijioke Okoli, described the programme as a full mechanisation drive rather than a simple equipment purchase, adding that it is expected to transform agricultural productivity in the country.
If fully implemented, the 10,000-tractor initiative is expected to reduce dependence on manual farming, expand cultivated farmlands, and significantly improve food production across Nigeria.