By Faridat Salifu
The federal government is set to establish agricultural mechanisation service centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country to strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming practices.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the plan in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 25th International Conference and 45th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE).
The conference theme was “Standardisation and Promotion of Proven Technologies for Agricultural Production and Value Addition in Nigeria”.
Kyari said the centres will provide training, repairs, and coordination of agricultural technologies, ensuring that machinery is adapted to local soils, crops, and farming conditions. He emphasized standardisation, local assembly, and maintenance systems to guarantee that every deployed machine is fit for purpose and supported by skilled technicians.
Highlighting international collaboration, the minister noted the partnership between the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) and Tanta Motors of Egypt, which has led to an improved young mould-making machine.
The redesigned model now functions as both a mould-maker and ridge maker, giving farmers flexibility in cultivation practices.
Kyari said the collaboration will extend to other NCAM innovations, including the mechanical weeder, cassava stem planter, grain and seed planter, and multi-crop treasurer, all prepared for standardisation and commercialisation under a joint NCA/Tanta Motors branding arrangement.
Engr. Joshua Olaoye, NIAE National Chairman, urged Nigerian engineers and innovators to develop affordable, locally manufactured machinery tailored to smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the country’s farming population.
He described the initiative as a step toward a mechanisation revolution that will enhance food security, create jobs, and drive national prosperity.
Governor Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, highlighted Kwara State’s shift from subsistence to mechanised agriculture and said gatherings like the NIAE conference provide a platform to address emerging challenges, including climate change, technology adoption, GMOs, and land use.
The mechanisation centres are to bridge the gap between innovation and adoption, providing farmers across Nigeria with modern tools, training, and support to improve productivity and sustainability.