The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, and 1,200 tractor trailers as part of the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP). This move is aimed at strengthening food security in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy announced the approval on Wednesday via his X handle, detailing the outcomes of the FEC meeting held in Abuja.
The equipment will be supplied by DMCC, a firm experienced in similar projects across Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, and Togo. The company plans to establish assembly plants in Nigeria as part of the contract’s second phase.
The procurement includes 1,000 disc ridges and assorted spare parts, all intended to support NAMP and enhance national food security.
Additionally, FEC’s approval coincides with the government’s recent decision to suspend import duties on certain food items for 150 days. Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, confirmed this suspension and announced plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize to replenish the strategic grain reserve.
The government aims to engage stakeholders in setting a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for commodities, boost production among smallholder farmers for the 2024/2025 farming season, and promote fortified food commodities.
Nigeria is currently facing a food security crisis, with food inflation at 40.5% and staple food prices more than doubling in the past year. This situation has put a significant strain on households nationwide.
Projections indicate that around 31 million Nigerians could face severe food shortages by August, highlighting the urgency for strategic interventions. In response, the federal government plans to distribute N50,000 to 100,000 households across all 36 states for three months and purchase food items worth N155 billion for distribution.
President Tinubu recently emphasized the importance of state governors working to meet their states’ food security needs during a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. He also announced various support programs, including construction and housing initiatives.
The FEC’s approval of agricultural equipment is a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges and supporting the agricultural sector.
