The Federal Government is rolling out a plan to set up agricultural mechanisation support hubs across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
These centres will serve as training grounds and repair points for modern agricultural machines, while also helping farmers adopt new technologies.
At the 25th International Conference and 45th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) in Ilorin, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, explained that new national guidelines for the production and use of farm machinery are in the works.
According to him, these standards will steer Nigeria’s mechanisation agenda for many years.
He stressed that the government’s vision goes beyond purchasing equipment. “Our priority is ensuring machines are properly built, assembled locally, and maintained by trained experts,” the minister said.
He also noted that Nigerian farmers need tools designed specifically for Nigerian soil conditions, crop types, farm sizes, and labour realities.
Senator Kyari pointed to a partnership between the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) and Egypt’s Tanta Motors as proof of what collaboration can achieve.
One of NCAM’s innovations, the young mould maker, has been upgraded to function not only as a mould maker but also as a ridge-making machine, giving farmers more flexible land-preparation options.
He added that more NCAM inventions, including mechanical weeders, cassava stem planters, grain planters, and multi-crop threshers, will be mass-produced and commercialized through the partnership.
In his remarks, NIAE President, Engr. Prof. Joshua Olaoye, encouraged engineers and policymakers to focus on developing affordable and locally made agricultural tools that support small-scale farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Celebrating 50 years of the Institution’s service to agriculture, he described the conference as a springboard for transforming research ideas into practical machines that boost food production, create employment, and enhance national food security.
Prof. Olaoye also highlighted Nigeria’s first national agricultural machinery exhibition held in partnership with NCAM.
The event showcased locally developed tractors, planting machines, harvesters, dryers and processing equipment, all designed to help farmers work more efficiently and improve yields.
He reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to fostering collaboration among researchers, government bodies and private firms, building capacity for young engineers, promoting supportive policies for local manufacturing, and ensuring mechanisation becomes central to Nigeria’s food security strategy.
