By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has launched the training of 4,000 tractor operators under its national agricultural mechanisation programme to strengthen food security, improve modern farming and develop a skilled workforce for the agricultural sector.
The programme, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), is being implemented in partnership with AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
According to a statement issued by AGCOMS International Trading Limited, the first batch of 250 trainees commenced a two-week residential training on Monday at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State. The participants will receive practical and theoretical instruction on operating and maintaining John Deere tractors and other modern agricultural equipment.
The initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to boost food production, create jobs, expand mechanised farming and stimulate economic growth.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity through mechanisation. He noted that while the government has invested in 2,000 tractors, training qualified operators is essential to maximise the benefits of the equipment and enhance food production.
The government said the programme is designed not only to increase mechanisation capacity but also to ensure that investments in agricultural equipment are supported by the development of skilled human resources capable of operating and maintaining the machines efficiently.
The training curriculum, developed jointly by AGCOMS, NADF and the ITF, combines classroom lessons with hands-on practical sessions covering tractor safety, machine operations, hydraulics, field applications, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and equipment management.
Successful participants will receive nationally recognised certificates jointly issued by AGCOMS, NADF and the ITF, as well as John Deere operator manuals prepared specifically for the programme.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, Chijioke Okoli, said the company designed the training to equip operators with the practical skills needed to maximise the value and performance of the tractors deployed under the mechanisation programme.
The Director-General of the ITF, Afiz Ogun, described certified operators as critical to building a modern agricultural economy, while NADF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the initiative represents another milestone in the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The government added that the nationwide training programme is expected to improve equipment utilisation, strengthen mechanisation service delivery, promote safety and maintenance standards, create employment opportunities for young Nigerians and support increased food production across the country through collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, NADF, AGCOMS and the ITF.
