Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have renewed their call for increased investment in mechanisation as a key step towards boosting food production, creating jobs and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
This call was made on the 12th July 2026. at the High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanisation, with the theme” Anchoring National Food Sovereignty through Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization Policy, Innovation and Strategic Investment.”
A Forum that brought together government officials and key stakeholders to discuss practical measures for expanding access to modern agricultural machinery and services across the country.
Speaking during the forum, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof.Babagana Umara Zulum, called for stronger investment in agricultural mechanisation to increase food production, improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen food security in Nigeria.
Governor Zulum stressed the importance of making modern agricultural equipment accessible to farmers, noting that mechanisation is essential to increasing productivity and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said livestock remains central to Nigeria’s efforts to diversify the economy, create employment, improve food production and strengthen livelihoods.
Maiha said that, the benefits of livestock development extend beyond livestock farmers, noting that every citizen stands to benefit from a stronger livestock sector.
He explained that, livestock plays an important role in the daily lives of Nigerians, from food and employment to cultural activities. He noted that the presentation of fresh milk and livestock products at the event demonstrated the important place of livestock in the lives of Nigerians.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government is committed to building a sustainable agricultural mechanisation ecosystem that will improve productivity, reduce production costs and make modern agricultural machinery and services more accessible to farmers.
He explained that, mechanisation goes beyond the provision of tractors, covering the entire agricultural value chain, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, harvesting, processing, storage, logistics and transportation.
Kyari said that, the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, is undertaking the procurement and onboarding of thousands of tractors and agricultural implements to expand mechanised farming across the country.
He further disclosed that, government is working towards establishing a mega assembly plant with the capacity to produce between 2,000 and 4,000 units annually, which he said would reduce dependence on imported machinery, promote local production, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural industrial base.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among governments, investors, development partners, research institutions and ultural mechanisation economy.
He said the National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy and the National Agricultural Mechanisation Business Strategy would provide a clear framework for investment, coordination and implementation.
Kyari expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would move Nigeria from agricultural potential to an agricultural powerhouse while strengthening food security and food sovereignty.
The Forum ended with the unveiling of the National Agricultural Mechanization Policy Document (NAMP), 2026-2031.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director Information
and Public relations.
12 July, 2026.
