The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, 1,200 tractor trailers, and other farm inputs under the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP) to enhance food security in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy shared this announcement on his X handle, detailing the outcomes of the FEC meeting in Abuja. The equipment, to be supplied by DMCC, will also involve setting up assembly plants in Nigeria.
“Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP) to strengthen national food security. DMCC, which has done similar work in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, and Togo, will supply the equipment and establish an assembly plant in the second stage of the contract,” the statement read.
The FEC approval follows confirmation from the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, that the government will suspend import duties on certain food items for 150 days. Additionally, the government plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize to replenish the depleted strategic grain reserve.
The government also aims to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for commodities, increase production among smallholder farmers for the 2024/2025 farming season, and promote the production of fortified food commodities.
Staple food prices, particularly grains, have seen over a 100% increase in the past year, placing a significant burden on households and exacerbating the economic challenges. Projections indicate that approximately 31 million Nigerians could face severe food shortages by August, necessitating urgent interventions.
In response, the federal government plans to distribute N50,000 to 100,000 households across the 36 states for three months and purchase food items worth N155 billion for nationwide distribution. President Tinubu announced these measures during the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, where he also outlined construction, housing, and other support programs. He urged state governors to address the food security needs within their regions.
