The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is poised to collaborate with the Nasarawa state government and Bobtrack Tractors, a division of Saint Bob Motors Limited, to initiate the manufacturing and assembly of tractors in the North-central geopolitical zone.
Utilizing the existing facilities and infrastructure at NASENI’s Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia, Nasarawa state, the project aims to assemble and manufacture tractors.
Mr. Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, emphasized that the project is geared towards creating wealth and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, aligning with the government’s objectives of ensuring food security and promoting mechanized farming and agro-business across the nation.
Halilu made these remarks during a visit by Governor Abdulahi Sule of Nasarawa State and his delegation to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday, as stated by Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI.
He assured Governor Sule and the delegation of NASENI’s eagerness to engage in business with them. “The agency is eager to collaborate with you and formalize the memorandum of understanding (MoU) so that we can commence action in the coming weeks,” he stated.
He revealed that the President has acknowledged NASENI as a national asset, highlighting its National Tractor Recovery Programme, aimed at refurbishing 55,000 tractors for mechanized farming nationwide.
Governor Sule, in his response, expressed his alignment with NASENI’s vision of promoting made-in-Nigeria goods through collaboration. He emphasized the government’s role in providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The purpose of his visit, he explained, was to introduce Bob Track Tractors, which specializes in the assembly and manufacturing of tractors and farm implements, with offices in Port Harcourt, to NASENI.
He proposed utilizing the existing facilities at AMEDI, Lafia, for tractor assembly instead of acquiring new land for the venture.
The CEO of Bob Track Tractors, Mr. Ibifiri Bob-Manuel, affirmed their readiness to utilize the facilities in Nasarawa State, aiming to generate employment and wealth for the local youths while contributing to the government’s vision of mechanized agriculture. He expressed their willingness to invest in Nasarawa State.
