*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describes the initiative as ‘a landmark moment’ in his administration’s Agricultural Mechanisation Programme cum food security agenda and crucial part of efforts at empowering Nigerian farmers and stimulate rural development

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monday, June 22, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, commissioned 2,000 tractors for nationwide deployment under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.

Tinubu, at the landmark event, declared that Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance has begun in earnest.

绿帽献妻 reports the commissioning ceremony of the new agricultural equipment marked the programme’s formal launch at the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Sheda, along the Abuja鈥揕okoja Expressway.

Cross-sections of the newly-launched tractors, in Abuja

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector by modernising farming practices and ensuring national food security.

The Nigerian leader as well described the initiative as a landmark moment in his administration’s food security agenda and a crucial part of efforts at empowering farmers and stimulate rural development.

On government’s commitment to agricultural productivity, food sovereignty

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Monday also stated Tinubu said: “We are very proud of what we are doing.

“We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise.

“Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on our nation’s food security crisis.”

He averred: “I demanded immediate and innovative solutions.

鈥淭hat, again, is answered today鈥攖his is the first phase of it.

“This government recognises that agricultural productivity is synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty.”

Tinubu said: “The ability to nourish our population forms the bedrock of a prosperous nation. Our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency.

“We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse鈥攕upplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen can access affordable, nutritious food.

“That’s why we took a bold decision to establish this new agricultural mechanisation programme. We are just beginning.”

According to the President, the 2,000 tractors and accompanying implements would be distributed nationwide through a service-provider model to support Smallholder Farmers (SHFs) with access to modern equipment to reduce manual labour, and increase yields.

Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance has begun, says President

Tinubu asserted: “We must take this opportunity to achieve agricultural independence. Nigeria has the land, the people, and the tools.

“Let history recall this day as the beginning of Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance鈥攚here modern technology met our farmers’ legendary resilience to usher in greater prosperity.”

Special tribute to Alex Sigman, a Belarusian businessman and Tinubu’s ex-classmate

One of the highlights of the ceremony was when President Tinubu openly acknowledged the contributions of international partners, especially the Republic of Belarus.

He said the country had played a key role in procuring the equipment, transferring technology, and providing training support for Nigerians.

He noted: “We have friends across the world. We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youth鈥攖each them how to do things, get them off the streets, and empower them in technology, machinery, and fabrication.”

Tinubu paid special tribute to Alex Sigman, a Belarusian businessman and his former classmate at the University of Chicago, in the United States (US), for facilitating the collaboration between the two countries.

The President enthused: “Alex was my very good neighbour and schoolmate in Chicago. “Never did we dream that I would become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus鈥攚orking together to promote the prosperity of our two countries.

“I believe our University will be very proud that we are doing this here today.”

Besides, Tinubu commended Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its proactive leadership in implementing the programme.

He urged strict stakeholder accountability in this regard.

The President further said: “To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy it with maximum efficiency.

“We will work with you, supervise you, and hold you accountable.”

President Tinubu, therefore, urged Nigerians to take ownership of the agricultural transformation drive, and contribute actively to achieving food sovereignty in the West African country.

Speaking at the event, Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, recalled that President Tinubu July 13, 2023, had declared a state of emergency on food security and issued a presidential directive for urgent and innovative solutions.

Kyari explained the mechanisation programme was placed at the core of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also outlined four key initiatives launched under the Tinubu administration’s mechanisation policy, including the John Deere Tractorisation Programme, the Greener Hope Project, the Green Imperative Programme, and the newly launched 2000 tractors procured from Belarus.

According to him, the Belarus Project, implemented in collaboration with AfTrade DMCC and supported by the Republic of Belarus, delivered 2,000 high-quality tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements, and 9,000 spare part kits.

The Minister averred: “Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus.

“We are today unveiling the single largest mechanisation drive ever undertaken in our country.”

Highlights of agricultural mechanisation programme, by Kyari

Outlining the fiber details if the Federal Government’s agricultural programme, Kyari stated the agricultural mechanisation initiative is expected to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, produce more than 2 million metric tonnes of staple food, create over 16,000 jobs, and directly benefit over 550,000 farming households.

He noted other programme components include mandatory operator training, GPS-enabled tracking for accountability, a structured repayment model, and pro bono equipment allocations to research and training institutions.

The Minister said that the initiative would engage Nigerian youths through new roles in equipment handling, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation.

In his remarks on the occasion, Viktor Karenkevich, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, congratulated President Tinubu and Nigerians on initiating a strategic and timely intervention to strengthen national food security.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Belarus’s President, Alexander Lukashenko, Karenkevich described Tinubu’s choice of Belarus as a trusted partner in the supply of agricultural machinery as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.

According to him, Belarusian equipment is known for quality, affordability, and durability, it is available in over 100 countries worldwide.

Karankevich recalled that both countries had signed a roadmap agreement during the 2024 Belagro Exhibition in Minsk, setting the foundation for joint agricultural mechanisation efforts.

He also stated: “Today, Belarusian machinery begins to serve the people of Nigeria.

“This marks the first phase of a landmark bilateral project that has already elevated our cooperation to a new level.”

Karankevich further affirmed Belarus’ readiness to move into the second and third phases of the programme.

The phases, he noted, include establishing service and maintenance centres for Belarusian machinery in Nigeria, setting up local assembly plants for agricultural equipment, constructing grain storage complexes, and training Nigerians to operate and maintain advanced farming machinery.

He also explained: “Agricultural mechanisation is just one example of our cooperation.

“It confirms the immense potential of Belarus鈥揘igeria relations, grounded in friendship, equality, mutual respect, and trust.”

The Deputy Prime Minister echoed the words of President Lukashenko on Belarus’ approach to Africa.

He said: “We come to Africa as friends. We are ready to help you become masters of your land, to benefit your people, and to develop your industry, agriculture, science, and technology.”

Karankevich as well delivered a personal letter and official invitation from President Lukashenko to President Tinubu, inviting the Nigerian leader to visit Belarus at a future date.

Dignitaries present at the event included the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, representatives of the Nigerian Senate and House Committees on Agriculture; members of the National Assembly (NASS), farmers’ cooperatives, and development partners.

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