Niger: Nigeria’s First Lady flags off 2026 farming season, pushes shift to mechanised agriculture

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for an urgent shift from subsistence farming to mechanised and commercially driven agriculture, stressing that traditional methods can no longer meet the country’s growing food demands.

She made the call on Saturday in Niger State during the official flag-off of the 2026 farming season and the rollout of mechanisation support equipment designed to enhance food production.

The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace modern farming techniques, including the use of machinery and improved agricultural practices, to increase productivity and ensure sustainable food supply.

Tinubu stressed that reliance on rudimentary tools such as hoes and cutlasses must give way to modern farming techniques powered by machinery, innovation, and improved inputs.

“We must move beyond subsistence farming. Mechanisation and modern practices are no longer optional—they are necessary for sustainable food security,” she stated.

She described the distribution of tractors, harvesters, and agricultural inputs as a clear signal of Nigeria’s readiness to embrace large-scale commercial farming.

Massive Investment in Mechanisation

The intervention by the Niger State Government includes the deployment of 250 tractors, 50 multi-crop harvesters, 1,500 farming implements, and 150,000 bags of fertiliser.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the initiative is designed to reposition the state as a major food production hub in Nigeria.

According to him, each of the 25 local government areas will receive 10 tractors to deepen mechanisation at the grassroots level.

Bago noted that the introduction of harvesters would significantly cut post-harvest losses, which he said could reach as high as 90 per cent depending on the crop.

Jobs, Output and Food Security Gains

The governor projected that the programme would support farming activities across 120,000 hectares of land, creating about 2,000 direct jobs and up to 100,000 indirect jobs.

He added that the state expects to produce an estimated 500,000 metric tonnes of assorted food crops per farming season.

To stabilise prices and protect farmers from losses, Bago disclosed that the government is developing a structured off-take system for surplus produce, in collaboration with the Niger Food Security and Logistics Limited.

Push for Year-Round Farming

In a move to ensure continuous agricultural production, the governor also announced plans to complete a 10,000-hectare solar-powered irrigation scheme, which will enable both wet and dry season farming.

The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises food security and economic diversification.

Stakeholders Back Reform Drive

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Isah Sidi Rijau, described the intervention as a practical demonstration of government commitment to agricultural transformation.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabu Abdullahi, said the programme reflects a broader national effort to reposition agriculture as a driver of economic growth.

He commended Niger State for setting the pace, noting that the initiative provides a working model for boosting productivity across the country.