From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has begun the training of 4,000 operators months after purchasing 2,000 tractors.
The government, in partnership with AGCOMS International Trading Limited, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), explained that the exercise is to prepare the skilled workforce that will power one of the country’s most ambitious agricultural modernisation schemes.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, noted that the first of 4,000 operators who would be trained nationwide to operate and maintain modern John Deere tractors and associated agricultural implements under the Federal Government’s mechanisation project.
Describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the administration’s commitment to food security, Kyari, in a statement yesterday, said: “This training programme is a direct expression of the Federal Government’s commitment to putting Nigerian farmers in charge of Nigerian food security. Two thousand tractors is a national investment. Four thousand well-trained operators is what turns that investment into a harvest.”
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, Chijioke Okoli, noted that the value of a tractor is created by the person in the seat.
“Our training programme has been built to turn every new operator into a professional. We are honoured to deliver this alongside FMARD, NADF and the ITF.
“Beyond expanding Nigeria’s mechanisation capacity, the training programme demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that investments in modern equipment are matched by investments in people.
“It reflects a recognition that achieving food security requires not only modern machinery but also a highly skilled workforce capable of operating, maintaining and maximising the productivity of those assets.”
Also, Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the exercise as another important milestone in implementing the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda:
“Every operator who completes this programme will step onto their tractor with the confidence, the skill, and the safety discipline that the equipment deserves. NADF is proud to see this milestone delivered on time and in partnership with credible institutions.
“The training programme demonstrates how strategic collaboration between government and the private sector can accelerate the delivery of national priorities.
“By combining FMARD’s policy leadership, NADF’s implementation mandate, AGCOMS’ technical and operational expertise and ITF’s nationally recognised training capability, the initiative is laying the human capital foundation for a modern, mechanised agricultural sector.
“As implementation gathers momentum, the programme is expected to advance President Tinubu’s vision of increased food production, greater rural prosperity, expanded employment opportunities for young Nigerians and lasting national food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
(The Sun)