Agricultural mechanisation hub inaugurated in Nasarawa

The Federal Government’s push to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector took a significant step forward this week as Hello Tractor and Heifer International Nigeria inaugurated a mechanization hub in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. The launch event, attended by key dignitaries from the public and private sectors, alongside agricultural and financial stakeholders, celebrated the official handover […]

The Federal Government’s push to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector took a significant step forward this week as Hello Tractor and Heifer International Nigeria inaugurated a mechanization hub in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

The launch event, attended by key dignitaries from the public and private sectors, alongside agricultural and financial stakeholders, celebrated the official handover of 10 state-of-the-art tractors.

These tractors, pre-equipped with Hello Tractor’s advanced IoT devices, are being deployed to smallholder farmers under an innovative Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model, marking a bold stride toward inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

This groundbreaking initiative not only aligns seamlessly with the federal agenda for inclusive and technology-driven food systems but also serves as a powerful blueprint for sustainable national development. Hailed by top public officials and development experts alike, it stands as a clear testament to the private sector’s proactive role in catalyzing agricultural transformation, promising enhanced food security, increased rural employment, and a brighter future for Nigerian citizens.

Dr. Nneka Enwonwu, Country Managing Director of Hello Tractor Nigeria, said the Lafia Mechanization Hub signals a fundamental shift in how agriculture can be structured — with the private sector playing a proactive role.

“This launch signals something bigger: that the private sector is not just waiting in the wings to be invited into the game, but we are leading from the front in advancing the federal government’s vision to make agriculture not just viable, but vibrant and aspirational once again,” she said.

Designed to serve over 20,000 hectares of farmland, the hub features GPS-enabled tractors, predictive maintenance analytics, and a digital booking platform to connect farmers with operators in real time. Beyond technology, it also provides training and employment for youth as operators, booking agents, and service technicians.

“This is what an ecosystem looks like,” Dr. Enwonwu added. “A nexus of innovation, enterprise, and empowerment… built with precision and powered by purpose.”

Speaking on behalf of Heifer International Nigeria, Country Director Dr. Lekan Tobe, described the PAYG model as a critical lever in reducing the cost barriers that have historically hindered smallholder farmers from accessing mechanized services.
“We believe that providing accessible, affordable, and technology-driven mechanization services is a game-changer,” Dr. Tobe said. “It’s about empowering farmers to cultivate more, increase yields, and boost their income and resilience.”

He also noted the broader employment benefits embedded in the model, highlighting its potential to activate rural value chains and attract more young people into agriculture-related work.

For Nasarawa State, the initiative arrives as both an agricultural intervention and a policy validation. Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, said the launch represents a critical milestone for the region and the nation at large.

“This is more than a tractor handover. It is more than the launch of a mechanisation hub. What we are witnessing today is the architecture of hope — the careful, deliberate construction of a new future for our farmers, our youth, and our rural economies,” he said.

Citing data on food production and youth demographics, Mr. Tunga emphasized the importance of strategic mechanization as a pillar for national food security and economic inclusion.
“Our smallholder farmers cultivate 80% of our food, yet most of them still use hoes and cutlasses,” he said. “The PAYG model removes the biggest barrier to mechanisation, which is the high upfront cost.”

“This is inclusive growth in action,” Dr. Enwonwu concluded. “If we are serious about building resilient and scalable food systems across Africa, we must rally behind models that are delivering real results. This is one such model. It is working. Now is the time to scale it.”