Nigeria partners with John Deere to boost agriculture sector

NIGERIA – The Nigerian Federal Government, through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), has entered into a US$70 million contract with AGCOMS International Trading Limited, a sub-dealer of John Deere, to supply 2,000 mechanised agricultural equipment aimed at enhancing food security and production. 

The equipment includes 2,000 tractors, 100 combined harvesters, and various implements such as plows, planters, and trailers.  

Under the agreement, the machinery will be assembled in Nigeria, with comprehensive training and product support provided to ensure sustainability. 

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, underscored the significance of this initiative in tackling challenges in the agriculture sector.  

“The program is part of the federal government’s efforts to mechanize agriculture in Nigeria and improve food production. In October 2024, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the direct procurement of 2,000 tractors and several implements for every tractor,” he stated. 

Kyari emphasized that the program is expected to create jobs, reduce poverty in rural areas, and address declining participation in agriculture due to its labor-intensive nature. 

“We have been experiencing a decline in farm operations as youths are moving away from agriculture due to its drudgery, hence the need for mechanization,” he explained. 

Chijioke Okoli, Country Director for AGCOMS International Trading Unit, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the agreement.  

“The total procurement value is about US$70 million, which includes delivering the equipment to collection centers in Abuja and Lagos. It’s not just about procurement; training and product support are integral to the project to ensure long-term functionality and sustainability,” Okoli said. 

The initiative aligns with broader calls for private sector participation in agriculture. Recently, Ade Adefeko, Chairman of the Industrial Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), advocated for increased private investment to achieve food sustainability.  

Speaking on Arise Television, Adefeko highlighted the limitations of food imports and urged private agro-industries such as Wacot, BUA Foods, Olam Agri, and Dangote to lead efforts in empowering farmers and scaling up production. 

Adefeko noted that Nigeria spends an unsustainable US$4 billion annually on wheat imports and called on the government to introduce supportive measures, including duty-free windows for agribusinesses, subsidized inputs, and easier access to farm credit. 

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