Niger State Government Allegedly Selling Off Tractors

News in Brief:

-Niger State is allegedly selling off tractors bought for its agricultural transformation drive to service debts, raising questions about the sustainability of the initiative.

-These claims have sparked public disappointment, especially amid reports of financial strain at Niger Foods and a lack of official response from the state government.

The Niger State Government has allegedly begun selling off tractors purchased for its agricultural transformation drive, according to reports. A local media house claimed it received information from a source indicating that the sales are being driven by financial pressure affecting the government’s broader food production initiative.

Governor Umar Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” has built a reputation around his intense focus on agriculture, with ambitions not only to transform Niger State’s economy but also to contribute significantly to national food security. His alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative further elevated his profile, earning him public praise from the President and positioning him as one of the administration’s favoured reform-minded governors.

However, the report alleges that Bago’s administration is now selling off the agricultural machinery to service accumulated debts and settle outstanding part-payments linked to the tractor acquisitions.

Financial Strain and Unfulfilled Promises

The state’s partner, Niger Foods, is reportedly facing similar financial challenges, with claims of mass staff layoffs. Niger Foods, described as a security and logistics company, was expected to play a central role in supporting agricultural expansion for both local consumption and export markets. The firm was also meant to support efforts to harvest 360,000 metric tonnes of rice during the most recent dry season through partnerships with local farming communities.

Months earlier, the Niger State Government had announced plans to establish a Cooperative Bank in 2025 with an initial capital of ₦2 billion. The bank was designed to provide affordable loans, particularly to women farmers, to help scale up agricultural production across the state.

The state also unveiled an agreement with the federal government to develop integrated housing settlement projects aimed at boosting food security and strengthening rural stability. These settlements were planned to include essential infrastructure such as access roads, clean water, renewable energy, healthcare facilities, schools, and agro-processing centres. Designated grazing reserves were also expected to be incorporated to help reduce recurring clashes between farmers and pastoralists.

Public reaction to the alleged tractor sales has ranged from disbelief to deep disappointment. Some residents claim that since 2024, when the governor first announced the acquisition of tractors, many of the machines were never fully deployed or put to productive use.

Observers have drawn parallels with the federal government’s procurement of 2,000 Belarusian tractors, many of which reportedly remained idle for months due to delays in distribution and deployment.

As of the time this article was published, there had been no official response or rebuttal from the Niger State Government addressing the claims made in the original report.