As part of efforts to strengthen food security and expand modern farming across the country, the Federal Government has launched the training of 4,000 tractor operators under its national agricultural mechanisation programme.
The initiative, which is being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is designed to provide the skilled manpower needed to operate and maintain thousands of tractors deployed under the government’s agricultural transformation drive.
The programme is being carried out in partnership with the National Agricultural Development Fund, AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund.
Training commenced on Monday with the first group of 250 participants who began a two week residential course at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State. The trainees are expected to receive practical and theoretical instruction on the operation, maintenance and safe handling of modern John Deere tractors and other farm equipment.
According to the organisers, the exercise forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities for young Nigerians and increase food production through mechanised farming.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as a major investment in the country’s agricultural future, saying the success of mechanisation depends on trained personnel who can effectively operate the equipment provided by government.
He noted that while the acquisition of 2,000 tractors represents a significant investment, the availability of 4,000 competent operators will ensure that the machines deliver the desired impact on food production.
The organisers explained that the programme goes beyond supplying farm equipment by placing equal importance on developing the technical capacity required to sustain mechanised agriculture. They said a skilled workforce is essential for improving productivity, extending the lifespan of farm machinery and ensuring safe operations.
Participants will undergo intensive training covering tractor operation, equipment safety, hydraulic systems, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, field applications and machine management. The curriculum was jointly developed by AGCOMS, the National Agricultural Development Fund and the Industrial Training Fund.
At the end of the programme, successful participants will receive certificates jointly issued by the three partner organisations. Each trainee will also be presented with a John Deere operator manual prepared specifically for the training.
AGCOMS International Trading Limited, the technical partner for the project, said it developed the training materials, assembled the manuals and deployed experienced instructors for the residential sessions. The company is also responsible for technical support, equipment assembly, delivery and warranty services under the broader mechanisation initiative.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, Chijioke Okoli, said the objective is to produce highly competent operators capable of maximising the performance and lifespan of the tractors.
According to him, the value of agricultural machinery depends largely on the competence of those operating it, adding that the company is pleased to work with government institutions in delivering quality technical training.
The Industrial Training Fund said the programme aligns with its mandate of promoting technical and vocational skills development across the country.
Director General of the fund, Afiz Ogun, stated that certified tractor operators would play a vital role in building a modern agricultural sector, stressing that quality technical training remains critical to sustainable mechanisation.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the exercise marks another important step in the implementation of the Federal Government’s agricultural development plans.
He expressed confidence that participants would complete the programme with the practical knowledge and safety standards required for effective field operations.
The organisers said the nationwide training is expected to improve the availability of qualified operators for mechanisation service providers, encourage better maintenance culture and enhance the overall efficiency of agricultural equipment across Nigeria.
The collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Agricultural Development Fund, AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund is also expected to strengthen human capacity for modern agriculture while supporting increased food production, rural development and youth employment.
The development comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s shortage of farm machinery. Industry stakeholders have estimated that the country requires about 250,000 tractors within the next five years to achieve effective agricultural mechanisation, while only between 5,000 and 10,000 tractors are currently in operation nationwide.
