The Federal Government (FG) has commissioned a fleet of tractors and harvesters in Kano, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance food production and drive agricultural transformation in Nigeria. This initiative underscores the Federal government’s commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation.
The commissioning was led by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, accompanied by the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Honourable Sada Soli; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; Directors of the Ministry; and other water experts. The event took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano.
Prof. Utsev commended the River Basin Authority for its proactive efforts in procuring these essential farming tools, emphasizing that the initiative is expected to significantly boost farming productivity and contribute to Nigeria’s journey toward food sufficiency.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, through the approval and funding of several impactful projects. The Minister urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and leverage technological advancements to foster economic growth and development in both the agricultural and water sectors.
Prof. Utsev further called for the proper maintenance and judicious use of the tractors and harvesters to ensure their durability and maximize their benefits for farmers and the broader agricultural community. This effort, he noted, highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering farmers with the necessary tools for sustainable agricultural development.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Ma’amun Da’u Aliyu, identified the lack of mechanization as a persistent challenge for farmers. He stated that the commissioning of the tractors and harvesters represents a transformative step in addressing this issue and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for national development.
Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and members of the National Assembly for their steadfast support in making the project a reality. He assured farmers that similar initiatives would continue to be prioritized to ease the challenges of food production and further drive agricultural progress across the country.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and Public Relations