Zulum Calls for New Approach to Agricultural Mechanisation, Says Nigeria Must Build Agriculture of the Future
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for a fundamental transformation in Nigeria’s approach to agricultural mechanisation, urging the country to move beyond the mere purchase and distribution of tractors towards a modern, technology-driven and investment-oriented 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 agricultural productivity, inadequate access to modern technology, limited investment and weak value chains as some of the major challenges preventing Nigeria from fully realising the potential of its agricultural sector.
He argued that agricultural mechanisation should not be viewed simply as government-owned tractors parked in various locations, but as a service that farmers can access when and where they need it.
According to him, farmers should have timely access to land preparation, precision farming, irrigation, harvesting and other modern agricultural technologies, supported by efficient financing and private-sector participation.
From tractors to agricultural services
Zulum stressed that Nigeria must rethink the traditional model of agricultural mechanisation by developing a system capable of delivering equipment and technology as services to farmers.
He said such an approach would improve efficiency, reduce the physical burden on farmers, increase productivity and ensure that expensive agricultural machinery is properly maintained and utilised throughout the farming cycle.
The Governor said Nigeria has the opportunity to build an agricultural system that combines mechanisation, digital technology, irrigation, renewable energy, storage, processing and modern value chains.
He said the objective should not simply be to increase the number of tractors in the country, but to ensure that farmers are able to use the right technology at the right time to increase output and income.
Zulum links agriculture to Borno’s recovery
Speaking about Borno State, the Governor said his administration’s significant investment in agriculture is part of a broader strategy to rebuild livelihoods and restore communities affected by years of insecurity and displacement.
He explained that agriculture remains central to Borno’s economic recovery because it provides employment, food and income for large numbers of rural residents.
Zulum said strengthening agricultural production would help communities regain economic independence while creating opportunities for young people and women.
Four-point approach to agricultural transformation
The Governor proposed a four-pronged approach that he said should guide Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation and transformation agenda.
The first is mechanising agriculture to increase productivity, reduce drudgery and enable farmers to cultivate larger areas more efficiently.
The second is digitalising agriculture through the use of technology and data to improve precision, decision-making and overall efficiency.
The third is regenerating agricultural resources, particularly soil, water and other natural resources, to ensure that increased production remains environmentally sustainable.
The fourth is investing in infrastructure, technology and agricultural enterprises capable of driving long-term transformation across the sector.
According to Zulum, these measures must work together if Nigeria is to develop an agricultural economy capable of meeting the country’s growing food requirements.
Private sector must take centre stage
The Borno Governor also called for greater participation by the private sector, saying government alone cannot provide the scale of investment required to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He advocated innovative financing models to support local manufacturing and assembly of agricultural machinery, as well as investment in irrigation systems, renewable energy, storage facilities, agro-processing and value addition.
Zulum further urged stakeholders to create stronger opportunities for youth- and women-led agricultural enterprises, noting that agriculture can become a major source of employment and wealth creation if young Nigerians are equipped with the necessary technology, finance and skills.
Building the agriculture of tomorrow
The Governor warned against simply reproducing outdated agricultural practices, stressing that Nigeria must instead build an agricultural system suited to the country’s future needs.
“Nigeria must not simply recreate the agriculture of yesterday, but build the agriculture of tomorrow.”
He described the agriculture of tomorrow as modern, smart, climate-resilient, productive and inclusive, capable of supporting farmers while strengthening national food security.
Zulum said the ultimate objective should be to establish an agricultural economy capable of feeding Nigeria, competing in international markets, creating millions of jobs and delivering sustainable prosperity to rural communities.
The policy dialogue brought together stakeholders to examine the challenges and opportunities surrounding agricultural mechanisation and to develop practical strategies for accelerating the modernisation of Nigeria’s farming system.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by Member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; 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.
Zulum Calls for New Approach to Agricultural Mechanisation, Says Nigeria Must Build Agriculture of the Future