Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially commissioned 375 revitalized tractors in Maiduguri, Borno State, marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance agricultural mechanization. This initiative falls under the National Assets Restoration Programme (NARP), led by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Restoring Agricultural Capacity
The commissioning ceremony at the Borno State Agricultural Mechanization Agency Farm Centre signifies a commitment to reviving the nation’s agricultural capabilities. The NASENI-led program aims to restore over 26,000 broken but serviceable heavy-duty machines and repurpose nearly 500,000 component scraps across the country. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for economic recovery, self-sufficiency, and increased national productivity.
Shettima emphasized that the program represents a shift in Nigeria’s approach to value, sustainability, and innovation. He praised NASENI for initiating the project, which he said prevented a national tragedy and showcased the agency’s ability to serve as a center for technology transfer. The Vice President also commended NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, for his vision and leadership.
Acknowledging Past Investments
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum noted that the tractors were initially procured by Shettima during his tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019. Zulum highlighted that Shettima’s investment of 1,000 tractors was the largest of its kind in Nigeria. He also praised NASENI for restoring the tractors without any cost to the state government.
National Impact and Future Plans
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated that the agency’s survey revealed over 47,000 broken-down but serviceable agricultural and law enforcement assets across the country. He estimated that restoring these assets could save Nigeria over ₦10 trillion while creating jobs and boosting food security. NASENI aims to achieve full functionality of the restored assets for just 15 to 25% of their replacement value.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, hailed the program as a welcome development that will contribute to meeting the nation’s food security targets. He commended NASENI for its vision in repositioning the agency as a critical instrument in delivering national development goals.
