The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy hand-powered tillers across the 36 states of the federation as part of efforts to expand agricultural mechanisation, improve productivity among smallholder farmers and reduce dependence on traditional farming tools.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, during a ceremony organised by the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) to honour renowned agricultural engineer, Emeritus Professor Gabriel Makanjuola, on his 90th birthday.
Kyari said the initiative is a follow-up to the Federal Government’s deployment of 2,000 tractors in February 2026, aimed at cultivating 1.5 million hectares of farmland nationwide. He noted that smallholder farmers produce about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s food and described them as the country’s first line of food security.
According to the minister, the government is focusing on introducing affordable, small-scale mechanised tools that can replace the cutlasses and hoes commonly used by rural farmers, stressing that agricultural mechanisation remains expensive and must be made more accessible to local communities.
Speaking on Professor Makanjuola, Kyari commended the celebrant for his longstanding contributions to agricultural innovation and development in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Buka Tijani, emphasised the need to reduce manual labour on farms and promote technologies that add economic, technical and engineering value to agricultural production.
In his remarks, Professor Gabriel Makanjuola expressed appreciation to Obafemi Awolowo University for conferring on him the title of Emeritus Professor. He also thanked members of the university community, dignitaries, colleagues, family members, and other guests for joining him to celebrate the milestone.
