President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commissioned 2,000 tractors for nationwide deployment under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.
The commissioning, held at the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Sheda, along the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, marks what the President described as the beginning of Nigeria’s “agricultural renaissance”—a strategic effort to boost food production, empower smallholder farmers, and modernise the nation’s farming practices.
Speaking during the launch, the president said, “We are very proud of what we are doing. We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise.”
He reminisced that, “Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on our nation’s food security crisis. I demanded immediate and innovative solutions. That, again, is answered today—this is the first phase of it.”
The 2,000 tractors, procured in collaboration with Belarus and private sector partners, will be deployed through a service-provider model that enables smallholder farmers to access modern machinery, reduce labour-intensive processes, and increase yields.
“Agricultural productivity is synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty,” the president said, pointing out that, “Our ambition extends beyond self-sufficiency—we envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse.”
He emphasised that the success of the programme depends on collective national commitment and accountability among all stakeholders:
“We will work with you, supervise you, and hold you accountable,” Tinubu warned. “Deploy this equipment with maximum efficiency. Let history recall this day as the beginning of Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance—where modern technology met our farmers’ legendary resilience.”
Tinubu acknowledged the instrumental role of the Republic of Belarus in the initiative, highlighting their contribution to technology transfer, training, and equipment supply.
“We have friends across the world. Belarus is committed to a programme that will empower our youth—teach them how to do things, get them off the streets, and empower them in technology, machinery, and fabrication,” the President said.
He also paid personal tribute to Belarusian businessman Alex Sigman, a former classmate from the University of Chicago, for facilitating the bilateral partnership.
“Never did we dream that I would become President of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus—working together to promote the prosperity of our two countries,” Tinubu reminisced.
Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as the most ambitious mechanisation initiative in Nigeria’s history.
“Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus,” he said.
He detailed that the Belarus Project delivered, 2,000 tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements and 9,000 spare part kits.
He projected that the programme would cultivate over 550,000 hectares, produce more than 2 million metric tons of staple food, create 16,000 jobs and irectly benefit over 550,000 farming households.
Other components include GPS-enabled equipment tracking, operator training, structured repayment models, and allocations to agricultural research institutions.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich described the partnership as a model of international cooperation.
“Today, Belarusian machinery begins to serve the people of Nigeria. This marks the first phase of a landmark bilateral project,” he said, confirming Belarus’ readiness to proceed with Phase II and III, which include the construction of local assembly plants and grain storage centres in Nigeria.
He added, “We come to Africa as friends. We are ready to help you become masters of your land, to benefit your people, and to develop your industry, agriculture, science, and technology.”
Karankevich also delivered a personal letter from President Lukashenko inviting Tinubu for a state visit to Belarus, according to a statement by the spokesman to the president, Bayo Onanuga.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were APC National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, lawmakers from both chambers, members of farmers’ cooperatives, and representatives of international development agencies.
Speaking on the sidelines, Governor Bago described the initiative as “a game-changer” for food security and rural transformation.
“Mechanisation is the heartbeat of modern agriculture. This programme has the potential to lift millions out of poverty and transform our rural economies,” he told reporters.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to take ownership of the agricultural transformation agenda.
“Nigeria has the land, the people, and now, the tools. Let us rise together and make our nation not just food-secure but a global leader in agriculture,” he declared.