BoA Seeks Lawmakers’ Support To Scale-up Mechanised Farming Nationwide

The Bank of Agriculture, BoA, is seeking partnership with members of the House of Representatives to scale up mechanised farming across Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, to boost food production and tackle unemployment in the country.

The Managing Director Ayo Sotinrin presented the proposal during plenary outlining a plan to expand access to modern farming equipment at the grassroots.

Speaking to reporters after the session, Sotinrin said the initiative is designed to increase agricultural productivity, create jobs and reduce hunger, while addressing some of the underlying causes of insecurity.

He said the programme would transition Nigeria from subsistence farming to commercial-scale agriculture, with the long-term goal of making the country a net food exporter. Under the proposal, each lawmaker would fund 60% of the cost of a tractor to be deployed in their constituency for use by local farmers. Sotinrin said a single tractor can cover at least five hectares per hour and up to 600 hectares annually.

“With about 2,000 tractors planned nationwide, the scheme could mechanise up to 1.2 million hectares of farmland each year.”

He said lawmakers participating in the scheme would also provide land for the establishment of farming hubs, alongside a booking system to manage tractor use.

According to him, the hubs are expected to function as integrated service centres, providing farmers with access to inputs, irrigation, aggregation, financing and extension services. Sotinrin said the programme aims to raise crop yields to more than two tonnes per hectare and enable year-round farming through irrigation, allowing for up to three planting cycles annually.

He added that the initiative could help reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, particularly among rural communities, while also addressing insecurity linked to unemployment.

According to him, internally displaced persons, especially in conflict-affected states such as Borno and Benue, could benefit from the programme through access to farming opportunities and income generation.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji