LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria is set for a major agricultural transformation as the Bank of Agriculture unveils a bold mechanisation plan targeting 1.2 million hectares across 360 constituencies nationwide.
Managing Director Ayo Sotinriade presented the proposal at Tuesday’s plenary, outlining a strategy designed to shift the country from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial agriculture.
The initiative proposes that lawmakers fund 60 per cent of tractor costs, with about 2,000 tractors expected to be deployed nationwide. Each tractor is projected to cultivate up to 600 hectares annually.
“Once a member acquires the tractor, they will also provide secure land where we will establish a farming hub,” Sotinriade said, adding that the hubs will include irrigation, financing, and extension services.
He stressed that the programme could significantly improve yields, reduce unemployment, and address insecurity linked to rural poverty.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s low agricultural mechanisation levels, which continue to limit productivity despite vast arable land resources.
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