A mega tractor Assembly plant is being planned by the Federal Government to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported agricultural machinery and strengthen its domestic manufacturing capacity.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari revealed this at a High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanisation yesterday.
Kyari said at the event themed ‘Anchoring National Food Sovereignty through Sustainable Agricultural Mechanisation Policy, Innovation and Strategic Investment, ‘ that the plant, when operational, would produce between 2,000 and 4,000 tractors annually.
He explained that the proposed plant forms a major component of the National Agricultural Mechanisation Investment Strategy, designed to attract investment, create employment and build a sustainable mechanisation industry in the country.
The minister stated that government’s objective goes beyond importing or purchasing agricultural equipment, with greater emphasis being placed on building a domestic ecosystem for machinery production, agricultural technology and mechanisation services.
Kyari said: ‘Our Investment Strategy also includes plans to establish a mega tractor assembly plant with capacity to produce between 2,000 and 4,000 units annually, aimed at reducing import dependence and building domestic industrial capacity.
‘This is about localising production, creating jobs and building a sustainable mechanisation economy.’
He called on local and international investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation sector, stressing that government is looking for long-term partnerships rather than capital solely for the purchase of equipment.
‘Nigeria is open for investment in agricultural mechanisation. We are not seeking capital merely to purchase machines. We are seeking partners to build an enduring agricultural technology and services ecosystem,’ said the minister.
Kyari also identified young people and women as critical to the success of Nigeria’s emerging mechanisation economy. He pointed out that agriculture is increasingly becoming a technology-driven enterprise with opportunities for employment and wealth creation.