Tractor Rollout: Firm Backs Tinubu, Urges Farmers’ Training To Maximise Benefits

Agricultural equipment provider, Agcoms International Trading Limited has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tractor rollout, but warned that operator training and support services are essential to ensure the programme delivers lasting gains for farmers and rural communities.

“The provision of machinery must be matched with skills transfer, support services and long‑term technical capacity if it is to deliver sustained gains for farmers and rural communities,” Agcoms chief executive officer, Okoli Chijioke said in a statement.

Chijioke described the federal government’s mechanisation push as a pivotal step towards boosting food production and modernising agriculture, saying the tractor rollout—part of a wider NADF-backed mechanisation programme—could raise productivity and strengthen agricultural value chains.

“Modern farming equipment is a practical route to higher productivity and renewed interest in farming among younger Nigerians,” he said.

He noted that the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) signed a $70 million agreement with Agcoms in January for the supply of 2,000 tractors and other machinery, including 100 combine harvesters.

Agcoms, an authorised John Deere dealer and NADF partner, said the supply agreement aligns with federal efforts to expand domestic food output.

While welcoming the equipment supply, Chijioke stressed that tractors alone would not solve structural challenges.

“Successful implementation requires more than simply providing equipment,” he said. “Sustainable outcomes can only be achieved when machinery deployment is supported by operator training, maintenance systems, financing solutions and dependable after‑sales services.”

Agcoms said the programme includes local assembly of machinery in Nigeria, a move expected to facilitate skills transfer, create jobs and deepen the country’s long‑term technical capabilities in agricultural mechanisation.

The company added that operator training, maintenance support and after‑sales services are integral to maximising equipment utilisation across farming communities.

The CEO recalled that the mechanisation drive was first unveiled by Tinubu during his October 2024 Independence Day address, when the Federal Executive Council approved plans for a local assembly plant for John Deere tractors and other implements.

Officials have since counted the initiative among key milestones of the administration’s first two years.

Agcoms reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s programme through equipment supply, technical expertise, spare parts provision and field services aimed at improving operational efficiency and productivity.

“We remain committed to supporting ongoing efforts to expand mechanisation across the country through technical expertise, equipment support and field experience,” Chijioke said.

Beyond equipment supply, Agcoms said the programme incorporates local assembly of the machinery in Nigeria, a move expected to facilitate skills transfer, create jobs and deepen the country’s long-term technical capabilities in agricultural mechanisation.

The initiative also includes operator training, maintenance support and after-sales services aimed at ensuring sustainability, maximising equipment utilisation and improving productivity across farming communities.

Chijioke further emphasised that sustainable mechanisation required a long-term framework that combines access to equipment with technical support, skills development and reliable maintenance structures to ensure investments continue to deliver value to farmers and rural communities.