The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), has distributed over 2,000 tractors and heavy-duty equipment to mechanised farmers as part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and bolster national food security.
The initiative, confirmed by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and BOA Managing Director, Mr. Ayodeji (Ayo) Sotinrin, was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on February 17, 2026.
Key Objectives of Initiative
The initiative falls under the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (NAMP or RHNAMP), supported by Heifer International and Heifer Nigeria.
NAMP aims to shift Nigerian agriculture toward a more productive, sustainable, and commercially viable model. Unlike traditional giveaway schemes, the program emphasizes building enduring systems that benefit smallholder farmers across the value chain.
Under the initiative, Tractors are not given for private ownership but allocated to certified Mechanisation Service Providers (MSPs) under a regulated lease-to-own framework. This promotes broader access and shared usage.
Financing and Support: The BOA coordinates inclusive financing, including pay-as-you-go models with 25% down payments, 3-5 year repayment terms at 15% interest, and repayments tied to usage and earnings for affordability.
Beneficiaries also receive preventive maintenance, technical support through mechanisation hubs, digital tracking via IoT, and a compulsory 3-year servicing plan.
Priority is given to youth- and women-led enterprises with many MSPs operated by these groups to foster job creation and economic empowerment.
Sen. Kyari highlighted strong demand, with over 100,000 applications received in the initial phase. Each tractor is projected to service approximately 600 hectares per year, potentially covering 1.5 million hectares annually and reaching an estimated 1.2 million farmers.
Mr. Sotinrin stressed the program’s emphasis on financial discipline, inclusive participation, and digital accountability to ensure long-term returns.
