By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged Nigeria to overhaul its approach to agricultural mechanisation by moving away from tractor ownership towards a modern, service-driven model that gives farmers reliable access to mechanised farming technologies.
Zulum made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level national policy dialogue on agricultural mechanisation organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The governor identified low agricultural productivity, inadequate technology, limited investment and weak value chains as some of the major obstacles hindering the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He argued that mechanisation should be treated as an agricultural service rather than merely a government programme centred on the procurement and distribution of tractors.
According to him, farmers need timely access to a broad range of services, including land preparation, precision farming, irrigation and other modern technologies capable of improving productivity and reducing production costs.
Speaking on Borno’s agricultural transformation programme, Zulum said his administration’s substantial investment in the sector was aimed not only at boosting food production but also at rebuilding livelihoods and restoring communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
He outlined a four-pronged strategy for transforming agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria.
The strategy, he said, should focus on mechanising agriculture to raise productivity and reduce drudgery; digitalising farming to enhance precision, intelligence and efficiency; regenerating agricultural resources to promote sustainability; and investing in infrastructure, technology and enterprises capable of driving long-term transformation.
Zulum also advocated greater private-sector participation and innovative financing mechanisms to support local manufacturing and assembly of agricultural machinery.
He said such investments should extend to irrigation systems, renewable energy, storage facilities, processing and value addition, as well as agricultural enterprises led by young people and women.
The governor stressed that Nigeria must look beyond reproducing outdated agricultural practices and instead build a sector that is modern, technology-driven, climate-resilient, productive and inclusive.
He said the ultimate objective should be to establish an agricultural economy capable of feeding the nation, competing in the global market, generating employment and creating sustainable prosperity for rural communities.
Zulum attended the policy dialogue with a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Borno Investment Company, Mohammed Bukar Umar; and Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busiguma.
