Lawmakers have summoned the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to explain the whereabouts and current status of 2,000 tractors unveiled seven months ago as part of the Federal Government’s drive to boost mechanised farming and strengthen national food security.
The query was raised during a recent session of the National Assembly following concerns that the tractors, launched with fanfare as a key intervention to support farmers, are yet to make any visible impact on agricultural production across the country.
Concerns Over Implementation
Members of the legislature expressed worry that despite the public unveiling of the tractors, many farming communities have not benefited from the initiative, raising questions about deployment, distribution, and utilisation.
According to lawmakers, the delay undermines government efforts to address rising food prices, low agricultural productivity, and the growing pressure on smallholder farmers who rely largely on manual farming methods.
Demand for Accountability
The legislators demanded a detailed briefing from the minister, including:
- The current location of the tractors
- The criteria used for their allocation
- The timeline for deployment to farmers
- Whether the tractors are being managed through public or private partnerships
They stressed that public-funded agricultural interventions must be transparent, timely, and measurable, especially at a time when food security remains a national priority.
Food Security at Stake
The 2,000 tractors were unveiled as part of broader reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing crop yields. However, lawmakers warned that delays in implementation risk turning well-intentioned programmes into symbolic gestures with little real-world impact.
They also noted that mechanisation is critical to attracting youth into agriculture and reducing the burden on ageing rural farmers.
Minister to Respond
The Agriculture Minister is expected to appear before the lawmakers to provide explanations and outline concrete steps being taken to ensure the tractors reach intended beneficiaries without further delay.
The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to oversight and accountability, insisting that government programmes designed to improve food production must translate into tangible results for Nigerians.
