Federal Government Launches Training for 4,000 Tractor Operators to Increase Food Production
The Federal Government has launched the training of 4,000 tractor operators under its nationwide agricultural mechanisation programme, a move aimed at increasing food production, modernising farming and creating jobs for young Nigerians. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by AGCOMS International Trading
Limited on Monday. The initiative is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), in partnership with AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
for agricultural transformation and economic growth.
According to the statement, the first batch of 250 participants began a two weeks residential training on Monday at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State. They are the first of 4,000 operators who will receive specialised training in the operation and maintenance of John Deere tractors and other agricultural equipment being deployed under the
Federal Government’s mechanisation programme. The training is designed to equip participants with the practical skills needed to safely operate and maintain modern farming equipment.
Speaking on the programme, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the training as a key part of the government’s plan to strengthen food security through mechanised farming. He said while the purchase of 2,000 tractors is a major investment, having skilled operators is just as important to achieving higher agricultural output. According to him, the initiative shows the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that investments in agricultural machinery lead to better harvests and improved national food security.
As the programme’s technical partner, AGCOMS International Trading Limited developed the training curriculum, produced the operator manuals and deployed experienced instructors for the residential sessions. The company is also responsible for technical support, equipment assembly, delivery and warranty management. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chijioke Okoli, said AGCOMS is committed to giving every participant the practical knowledge needed to operate the tractors safely and efficiently, adding that the company is proud to support the Federal Government’s mechanisation drive.
The programme also highlights the role of public and private partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. While the Ministry of Agriculture provides policy direction and NADF oversees implementation, ITF is ensuring the training meets national vocational standards. ITF Director General, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, said skilled and
certified operators are essential to the success of mechanised farming, while NADF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Engr Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the initiative as another milestone in the government’s agricultural transformation agenda. He said participants who complete the programme will have the technical skills, confidence and safety awareness needed to operate modern farmmmachinery, with the initiative expected to improve agricultural productivity, create jobs,strengthen rural livelihoods and support Nigeria’s long term food security goals.
Awobajo Soliat
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