Nigeria’s First Lady Praises Niger State’s Focus on Agriculture

News in brief:

-First Lady Oluremi Tinubu praises Niger State’s agriculture-focused policies and mechanisation drive.

-The State distributes tractors, harvesters, and inputs to boost food production and job creation.

Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the agricultural policy direction of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, describing it as a strong model for boosting food production and economic growth.

She gave the commendation during the official flag-off of the 2026 farming season held at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport.

Massive Distribution of Farm Equipment

At the event, the First Lady launched the distribution of mechanisation support equipment, including 250 tractors, 50 combine harvesters, 150,000 bags of fertiliser, and 1,500 farming implements such as planters, ploughs, boom sprayers, and harrows.

She noted that the initiative reflects a deliberate transition from subsistence farming to modern, mechanised and commercially viable agriculture.

Push for Modern Farming and Higher Productivity

Mrs Tinubu urged farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices, stressing that traditional tools alone can no longer meet the food demands of Nigeria’s growing population.

She stated that the programme would enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and contribute significantly to national economic growth.

The First Lady added that Niger State has continued to position itself as a leading agricultural hub, demonstrating that agriculture remains a viable pathway to prosperity, job creation, and sustainable development.

Governor Outlines Scale of Investment

Governor Bago explained that the intervention would support farming activities across 120,000 hectares of land in the state’s 25 local government areas.

According to him, 10 tractors will be allocated to each local government, while combine harvesters will help reduce harvesting time and minimise post-harvest losses.

He added that the programme is expected to create thousands of jobs and deliver an estimated 500,000 tonnes of food per farming season.

The governor further noted that the initiative extends beyond production to strengthening the entire agricultural value chain.

He disclosed plans to expand irrigation systems to enable year-round farming and improve arrangements for off-taking farm produce. He also called for collaboration with the Niger Food Security and a logistics firm to ensure efficient distribution and market access.

Stakeholders Back Agricultural Drive

Several stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abdullahi, and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, commended the initiative.

They described agriculture as central to Nigeria’s economic growth and food security agenda, noting that Niger State’s approach aligns with national priorities.

Traditional leaders and state officials also described the programme as a critical step towards addressing food insecurity and modernising farming practices.

The launch of the 2026 farming season in Niger State highlights a strong policy shift towards mechanised agriculture and large-scale food production.

With sustained investment and effective implementation, the initiative could significantly boost output, create jobs, and reinforce Nigeria’s food security ambitions.