The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated discussions with Springfield Agro Limited to develop structured, long-term financing solutions for agricultural mechanization.
The goal is to deploy tractors across all 774 local government areas while easing the financial burden on farmers who often struggle with high upfront costs.
This initiative forms part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes food security and agricultural transformation.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Afcott Grains sesame and grains processing facility in Kano State, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that achieving sustainable food security requires strengthening every segment of the agricultural value chain.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari VP Shettima noted that boosting production alone is not enough.
He argued that the real progress lies in aligning production with processing capacity, mechanization with accessible financing, and government policy with private sector investment.
“The newly commissioned facility reflects the administration’s commitment to food sufficiency, value addition, and agro-industrial development.
Highlighting Kano’s importance, Shettima described the state as a strategic hub for both agriculture and commerce, making it an ideal location for such investments.
He also commended Afcott Grains and the Kewalram Chanrai Group for their continued investment in Nigeria, including the earlier establishment of a crop protection chemical plant that has strengthened the supply of agricultural inputs locally.
Three key pillars
The Vice President further underscored that meaningful agricultural transformation depends on three key pillars: inputs, mechanization, and processing.
He pointed out that Springfield Agro’s tractor assembly operations have already contributed to technology transfer, local manufacturing, and job creation.
“Ongoing engagements with the company signal progress toward financing mechanization under the Green Imperative Programme.
In his remarks, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the investment reinforces Kano’s status as a leading agricultural and commercial center.
He noted that the state government has consistently supported the sector through policies focused on mechanization, irrigation, and extension services.
In his welcome remarks, Vice Chairman of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, Navin Chanrai, revealed that the new facility will process up to 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually.
He added that the project is expected to create more than 500 jobs, boost exports, and provide direct support to local farmers.
Chanrai also emphasized that a large share of the workforce will be sourced locally from Kano State, underscoring the project’s role in driving economic growth and community development.
