FG approves release of 2000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the release of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, 1,200 tractor trailers and other equipment under its National Agricultural Mechanization Programme(NAMP) to strengthen food security in the country.

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on his X handle on Thursday, while outlining the outcomes of the FEC meeting in Abuja.

He stated that the approval included other assorted spare parts that would boost Nigeria’s food production drive.

“Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc plows, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme(NAMP) to strengthen national food security.

“Astride DMCC, which has done a similar job in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa and Togo, will supply all the equipment and will also set up a plant to assemble the machinery, in the second stage of the contract,” Onanuga said.

The development comes after the government had earlier announced plan to grant a 150-day suspension of taxes, and import duties on rice, wheat, beans and other staple foods to tackle soaring food inflation in the country which rose to 40.66 percent in May.

Also, Tinubu announced on Tuesday the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry.

According to the government, the new ministry will tackle farmers-herders age-long conflicts causing food insecurity.

This is as Nigerians continue to groan over high prices of foods in the country resulting in low purchasing power among the citizenry.