Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s approach to agricultural mechanisation, urging the country to move beyond the mere purchase of tractors and embrace a modern, productive and investment-driven agricultural system.
Zulum made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at a High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanisation organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The governor identified low productivity, limited access to technology, inadequate investment and weak value chains as major challenges hindering the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He said agricultural mechanisation should be delivered as a service, allowing farmers to access land preparation, precision farming, irrigation and other modern technologies when needed.
Speaking on Borno’s agricultural transformation, Zulum said his administration’s massive investment in the sector was central to rebuilding livelihoods and restoring communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
He outlined a four-pronged approach to transforming agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria: mechanising agriculture to increase productivity and reduce drudgery; digitalising agriculture to improve precision and efficiency; regenerating agricultural resources for long-term sustainability; and investing in infrastructure, technology and enterprises.
The governor also called for greater private-sector participation and innovative financing to support local manufacturing and assembly of agricultural machinery, irrigation systems, renewable energy solutions, storage facilities, processing and value addition.
He further stressed the need to promote youth- and women-led agricultural enterprises as part of efforts to create jobs and strengthen rural economies.
According to Zulum, Nigeria must not simply recreate the agriculture of the past but build an agriculture of tomorrow that is modern, smart, climate-resilient, productive and inclusive.
He said the ultimate objective should be to develop an agricultural economy capable of feeding the nation, competing in the global market, creating employment opportunities and delivering sustainable prosperity to rural communities.
The governor attended the policy dialogue alongside member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; CEO/Managing Director of the Borno Investment Company, Mohammed Bukar Umar; and Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busiguma.
