Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation policy, urging the country to move beyond tractor ownership to a modern, service-driven system that guarantees farmers timely access to machinery, technology and financing.
Zulum made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanisation organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The governor said Nigeria could not achieve food security, create sustainable rural employment or compete effectively in global agricultural markets simply by increasing the number of tractors in the country.
He argued that mechanisation should be treated as an integrated agricultural service, allowing farmers to access land preparation, precision farming, irrigation and other modern technologies when required, rather than leaving costly equipment idle or beyond their reach.
According to him, low productivity, inadequate technology, limited investment and weak agricultural value chains remain major constraints to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
Zulum advocated a new agricultural model anchored on productivity, digital technology, sustainability and stronger private-sector investment.
He outlined a four-pronged strategy for transforming agricultural mechanisation: mechanising agriculture to boost productivity and reduce drudgery; digitalising farming to enhance precision, intelligence and efficiency; regenerating agricultural resources to ensure long-term sustainability; and investing in infrastructure, technology and enterprises capable of driving agricultural transformation.
The governor said Borno’s agricultural transformation programme was being implemented as a critical component of the state’s efforts to rebuild livelihoods and restore communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
He stressed that agricultural investment must extend beyond primary production to irrigation, storage, processing and value addition, particularly in communities where farming remains the dominant source of livelihood.
Zulum also called for increased private-sector participation and innovative financing mechanisms to promote local manufacturing and assembly of agricultural machinery, while encouraging investment in irrigation infrastructure, renewable energy, storage facilities and agro-processing.
He emphasised the need to create greater opportunities for young people and women to participate in commercially viable agricultural enterprises, describing their inclusion as critical to the transformation of the sector.
“We must not simply recreate the agriculture of yesterday; we must build the agriculture of tomorrow,” Zulum said, insisting that Nigeria’s future agricultural system must be modern, smart, climate-resilient, productive and inclusive.
He said the ultimate goal should be to develop an agricultural economy capable of feeding Nigeria’s growing population, competing in international markets, generating employment and delivering sustainable prosperity to rural communities.
The governor was accompanied to the policy dialogue by a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; Borno State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the Borno Investment Company, Mohammed Bukar Umar; and Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busiguma.
