In a bold move to boost Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and rural economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, featuring 400 brand-new tractors and modern farming implements.
During the commissioning ceremony, President Tinubu underscored the importance of agricultural mechanisation in addressing food insecurity and promoting economic growth. “This is not just about machines,” the President declared. “It’s about food security, economic empowerment, and the future of our youth. We must free ourselves from hunger and build a nation capable of feeding itself.”
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Katsina State’s development initiatives, assuring residents that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration is not working in isolation. “The Federal Government is standing with you, side by side,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the administration’s broader agricultural vision, Tinubu stressed that agriculture must remain central to Nigeria’s national development strategy. He stated that the country is moving away from subsistence farming and investing in modern agricultural practices, including mechanisation, irrigation systems, and efficient water management.
In a significant policy announcement, President Tinubu revealed that the Bank of Agriculture is currently undergoing restructuring and recapitalisation to improve financial access for farmers at all levels. “Nigeria must achieve food sovereignty, and we’re committed to making that a reality,” he said.
Commending local infrastructure achievements, President Tinubu praised the Katsina State Government for completing the 24-kilometre Ajiwa-Ruwan Godiya road within 18 months. He described the project as a testament to effective governance and a commitment to rural development.
In his opening remarks, Governor Radda outlined his administration’s five core pillars: Agriculture, Infrastructure, Human Capital Development, Security, and Service Delivery. He noted that the new Agricultural Mechanisation Centre would directly serve all 34 local government areas in the state, improving access to modern farming equipment.
Governor Radda disclosed that his administration recently conducted a comprehensive survey of 411,000 farms, covering over 90 percent of agricultural land in the state. He also announced that the distribution of 400,000 bags of fertiliser for the 2025 wet farming season would commence on Monday.
In addition, the Governor revealed that over 6,000 solar-powered water pumps have been distributed to support irrigation and dry-season farming, part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture.
Governor Radda concluded by expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for the Federal Government’s unwavering support in addressing insecurity in the region, including a N25 billion direct intervention to enhance security operations.
