Tinubu inaugurates 2026 farming season, distributes modern agricultural tools in Niger

Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the weekend, inaugurated the 2026 farming season and distribution of mechanisation support equipment to farmers in Niger State.

Speaking at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, she reiterated the need for sustained efforts towards agricultural transformation and food security. She noted that empowering farmers with modern tools would boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and strengthen economic growth.

The First Lady described the event as more than the commencement of another farming season, calling it “a bold statement that Nigeria is ready to feed itself,” and a clear shift from subsistence farming to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture.

“This gesture will no doubt empower our farmers with the tools needed to increase productivity, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen our GDP.

“With direct support through the distribution of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs, this initiative by the Niger State Government aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President on boosting agriculture for food self-sufficiency.

“Niger State has earned its place as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs, and under your leadership, Your Excellency, the state continues to demonstrate that agriculture remains the most practical path to prosperity, job creation, and sustainable development,” she said.

Tinubu commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his commitment to agriculture and food security. She also applauded farmers across the sSate; men, women, and youth for their resilience and dedication to feeding the nation.

She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the distributed tools and inputs, stressing the need to embrace modern agricultural practices.

“Let us approach this farming season with renewed determination. Reliance on hoes and cutlasses alone can no longer meet the food demands of our growing population.

“May this farming season bring bumper harvests, prosperity to our farmers, and renewed hope to every Nigerian home,” she added.

In his remarks, Governor Bago said the initiative goes beyond formally opening a farming season, noting that it represents a major investment in transforming agriculture across the state.

“Today, we are not only formally opening a farming season, we are delivering tools and inputs that will change lives and improve the entire agricultural value chain in Niger State,” he said.

He announced the distribution of 250 (75HP) tractors across the state’s 25 local government areas, with 10 tractors allocated to each LGA to deepen mechanisation at the grassroots.

The governor also disclosed that 50 multi-crop combine harvesters would be deployed to reduce harvest time and cut post-harvest losses, while 1,500 farming implements including planters, boom sprayers, ploughs, and harrows would be provided to enhance productivity.

Additionally, 150,000 bags of fertiliser will be distributed to support 40,000 smallholder farmers across the state.

According to him, the investment is expected to support farming on 120,000 hectares of land, create about 2,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs, and generate an estimated 500,000 tonnes of assorted food products per farming season.

Bago reaffirmed that agriculture remains a top priority for the state government, with a vision to position Niger as a leading food basket for the nation.

He urged farmers and stakeholders to collaborate with Niger Food Security and Logistics Limited to enhance production and distribution efficiency.

The governor further revealed plans to expand irrigation infrastructure, including the completion of a 10,000-hectare solar-powered irrigation system to enable year-round farming.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support, thanked the First Lady for her present at the event, and commended farmers for their continued contributions to food production.