2025 is set to see a boost in mechanised farming. This is because the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has received a presidential mandate to spearhead the rollout of 10,000 tractors throughout Nigeria in the bid to enhance food productivity. Though this may not be enough for use in the country as the minister said recently, it is a step towards realising the dream of mechanise farming in the country.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, announced the rollout of the tractors in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AGCOMS International Trading Limited, the authorized dealer of John Deere tractors.
The MOU is a collaboration that seeks to introduce an extensive mechanisation initiative within Nigeria’s agricultural industry. Ibrahim noted that in October 2024, the Federal Executive Council sanctioned the commencement of stakeholder engagement, which initiated extensive discussions with both international and local stakeholders, a visit to John Deere, and thorough negotiations regarding the contract terms.
He said, “We have finally come to an agreement that entails all the terms and conditions agreed to. We are here to sign that agreement between the National Agricultural Development Fund and AGCOMS.”
So, what is the role of AGCOMS? Ibrahim throws light on that, saying, “AGCOMS International Trading Limited will supply the tractors and implements, whereas NADF will offer assistance for the program. The first deployment of 2,000 units is set to take place in the first and second quarters of 2025, with intentions to expand to 10,000 units over the subsequent five years.”
