The Federal Government has commenced the training of 4,000 tractor operators under its national agricultural mechanisation programme as part of efforts to strengthen food security, increase productivity and expand modern farming across Nigeria.
The initiative, being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is designed to develop the skilled workforce required to operate and maintain thousands of tractors deployed under the government’s agricultural transformation programme.
The training is being implemented in partnership with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
The programme commenced on Monday with the first batch of 250 participants beginning a two-week residential training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State.
The participants are receiving both theoretical and practical instruction on the operation, maintenance and safe handling of modern John Deere tractors and other agricultural equipment.
According to the organisers, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities for young Nigerians and boost food production through mechanised farming.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as a major investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future, stressing that successful mechanisation depends on the availability of trained personnel capable of effectively operating and maintaining agricultural machinery.
Kyari noted that while the acquisition of 2,000 tractors represents a significant investment, training 4,000 competent operators would help ensure that the machines achieve their intended impact on agricultural production.
The organisers explained that the programme goes beyond the provision of farm machinery by placing equal emphasis on developing the technical capacity required to sustain mechanised agriculture.
They noted that a skilled workforce would help improve farm productivity, extend the lifespan of agricultural machinery, reduce equipment downtime and promote safer operations.
The training curriculum covers tractor operation, equipment safety, hydraulic systems, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, field applications and machine management.
The curriculum was jointly developed by AGCOMS International Trading Limited, NADF and the Industrial Training Fund.
Successful participants will receive certificates jointly issued by the three partner organisations, while each trainee will also receive a John Deere operator manual prepared specifically for the training programme.
AGCOMS International Trading Limited, the technical partner for the initiative, said it developed the training materials, prepared the manuals and deployed experienced instructors for the residential training sessions.
The company is also responsible for technical support, equipment assembly, delivery and warranty services under the broader mechanisation programme.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, Chijioke Okoli, said the objective was to produce highly competent tractor operators capable of maximising the performance, efficiency and lifespan of the equipment.
According to him, the effectiveness of agricultural machinery depends largely on the competence of the people operating it, adding that the company was committed to supporting 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 Nigeria.
The Director-General of the fund, Afiz Ogun, said certified tractor operators would play an important role in building a modern agricultural sector, stressing that quality technical training was essential to sustainable mechanisation.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the training as another important step towards implementing the Federal Government’s agricultural development plans.
He expressed confidence that the participants would complete the programme with the practical skills and safety standards required for effective field operations.
The organisers said the nationwide training would increase the availability of qualified tractor operators for mechanisation service providers, promote better maintenance practices and improve the efficiency of agricultural machinery across the country.
The collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NADF, AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund is also expected to strengthen human capacity for modern agriculture while supporting food production, rural development and youth employment.
The initiative comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s shortage of agricultural machinery, with industry stakeholders estimating that the country requires about 250,000 tractors within the next five years to achieve effective agricultural mechanisation.
Current estimates indicate that only between 5,000 and 10,000 tractors are in operation nationwide, highlighting the need for increased investment in agricultural machinery and the skilled manpower required to operate it effectively.
