Abuja: For decades, inadequate mechanisation has remained one of the major constraints to agricultural productivity in Nigeria, limiting the ability of farmers to cultivate larger areas, improve yields and compete effectively in domestic and international markets. Indeed, albeit its vast agricultural potential, Nigeria continues to rely heavily on manual farming methods, with experts identifying low tractor density as a major obstacle to achieving food security and agricultural transformation. It is against this backdrop that the Federal Government introduced the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHNAMP). It is a flagship initiative aimed at closing the country’s mechanisation gap through the deployment of 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 specialised agricultural implements.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tractorisation programme is designed to promote mechanised farming, boost food and nutrition security, create jobs for youths and enhance the overall productivity of the agricultural sector. Unlike previous interventions, the programme operates on a lease-to-own arrangement, deploying machinery through registered Mechanisation Service Providers (MSPs) rather than distributing tractors directly to individuals. Government officials describe the initiative as the largest single agricultural mechanisation programme ever undertaken on the African continent.
At the unveiling of the tractors and agricultural equipment in Abuja in June 2025, President Bola Tinubu said the initiative fulfilled his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture and ensuring food security for Nigerians. He emphasised the need for modern farming practices, noting that agricultural productivity is directly linked to national stability and food sovereignty. The President urged beneficiaries to ensure proper utilisation of the equipment and commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its efforts in stabilising the nation’s food system.
Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, outlined the programme as a landmark in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation journey. He disclosed that the package includes 2,000 tractors, trailers, ploughs, harrows, planters and sprayers, alongside 10 state-of-the-art combined harvesters, 12 mobile workshops and thousands of implements and spare parts. Furthermore, Kyari said the deployment of the tractors commenced in phases, beginning with an initial batch of 600 units.
The minister explained that the tractors would remain under the management of MSPs to ensure optimal utilisation and sustainability. He noted that many of the service providers are youth- and women-led enterprises operating under a lease-to-own arrangement. Kyari also highlighted the financing architecture supporting the initiative, with structured financing models to guarantee equitable access and long-term sustainability.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, assured stakeholders that implementation would be inclusive, especially for women who constitute a large proportion of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce. Meanwhile, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of integrating mechanisation with broader agricultural value-chain development. Recent investments in agro-processing, crop protection manufacturing and tractor assembly demonstrate growing confidence in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Agricultural experts have welcomed the programme, describing mechanisation as essential to overcoming systemic food insecurity and improving agricultural competitiveness. Stakeholders emphasise the need for sustained investment, effective maintenance, affordability and public awareness to ensure the long-term success of the programme. In their view, if properly implemented, the tractorisation initiative could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s quest to modernise agriculture, enhance food security and unlock the full potential of its vast agricultural resources.