The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, has confirmed that the association has not yet received the promised tractors intended to enhance agricultural productivity. However, he noted that the importation process is ongoing and described the initiative as a work in progress.
Responding to inquiries, Ibrahim clarified that AFAN is not directly handling the importation of the equipment and therefore lacks specific details about shipment schedules. “We have yet to receive those machines, but we understand the process is underway,” he said. “Since we’re not the importers, we don’t have access to documentation like the bill of lading, nor do we know if the machines will arrive all at once or in batches.”
Ibrahim emphasized that AFAN is merely a beneficiary of the programme and expects that the tractors, when eventually delivered, will likely come at subsidized rates rather than being provided free of charge. “We are hopeful and looking forward to receiving them,” he added.
In January, the Federal Government directed the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to spearhead the deployment of 10,000 John Deere tractors across Nigeria. The plan involves an initial rollout of 2,000 tractors in the first and second quarters of 2025, followed by a gradual scale-up over the next five years.
The mechanisation drive is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving food production, attracting youth and women to agriculture, and modernizing farming practices.
Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and CEO of NADF, highlighted this initiative during a contract signing ceremony in Abuja with AGCOMS International Trading Limited, the authorised dealer of John Deere tractors. He explained that the agreement followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and rigorous contract negotiations.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, also praised the initiative, stating that it represents one of four major mechanisation programmes under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted that mechanisation is key to improving yields and easing the burden on Nigeria’s ageing farming population.
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