Nigeria to Train 819 Youths as Tractor Operators in Drive to Modernise Agriculture

The Federal Government has announced a recruitment drive to train 819 young Nigerians as tractor operators and mechanics, an initiative designed to advance mechanised farming and enhance food security nationwide. This development was revealed by Temitope Fashedemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, during a two-day workshop in Abuja focused on drafting Nigeria’s National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy.

Bringing together key policymakers, agricultural experts, industry stakeholders, and development partners, the event underscored Nigeria’s urgent need to modernise its agricultural practices. Fashedemi, represented by Ibrahim Tanimu, the ministry’s Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, noted that Nigeria currently possesses fewer than 5,000 functional tractors—a steep decline despite a history of investing in over 30,000 agricultural machines.

Fashedemi praised President Bola Tinubu’s proactive approach to securing 32,500 additional tractors through collaborations with manufacturers like John Deere, Belarus Tractors, and the Green Imperative Programme over the next five years. The recruitment and training initiative will be conducted at dedicated centres in Akure and Misau, aiming to create a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining this new fleet.

“Currently, there is no national policy on agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria,” Fashedemi said, stressing the importance of the draft policy to address current gaps. “The implementation of this policy will result in an enabling environment for vibrant agricultural mechanisation activities, which is essential for increased productivity, food security, and higher farmer incomes.” He highlighted that the programme, targeting both youths and women, is designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in farm machinery operation.

In his address, Frank Kudla, Director of the Federal Department of Rural Development and chair of the policy draft committee, backed the initiative as essential to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector in line with global advancements. Kudla pointed to the importance of adapting traditional farming techniques to meet the demands of a growing population, asserting that the time had come for a shift towards mechanisation and innovation.

“Agriculture, as we know, is the backbone of our economy. However, the traditional methods that have served us well in the past now require transformation to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population,” he said. “This policy not only promotes mechanised farming but also equips our farmers with essential tools, knowledge, and resources to compete in the global market.”

The draft policy, built on extensive research and consultations, aims to address key areas such as machinery access, training, financing, and sustainable farming practices. Kudla expressed optimism that this policy would lay the foundation for a dynamic and modernised agricultural sector that could propel Nigeria towards food security and economic resilience.