ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has unveiled a nationwide agricultural mechanisation initiative aimed at modernizing farming practices and improving food production across the country.
The program, known as the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP), was launched in partnership with Heifer Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture. It is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to achieve food security and rural development.
Under RHAMP, the government will distribute 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 implements to eligible applicants. The equipment comes with a three-year servicing plan and is intended to support mechanised farming across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Officials said the program targets youth, women, cooperatives, and agribusinesses, with the goal of creating a new generation of mechanisation service providers. The initiative is designed to reduce manual labor, increase crop yields, and make agriculture more attractive to younger Nigerians.
Applications are open through the Bank of Agriculture’s online portal, with a deadline set for November 10. Authorities emphasized that there are no fees required to apply, and urged interested parties to submit their applications promptly.
President Tinubu, speaking at the launch event, described RHAMP as a “landmark intervention” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He said the program would help reposition agriculture as a viable economic driver.
Public reaction to the announcement has been largely positive, with farming communities and agricultural stakeholders welcoming the initiative. Many view RHAMP as a long-overdue step toward addressing structural challenges in the sector.
However, some farmers and civil society groups have raised concerns about transparency and equitable access. Critics have called for clear guidelines on equipment distribution and oversight to prevent political interference.
Agricultural economists have also cautioned that mechanisation alone may not resolve deeper issues such as poor infrastructure, limited access to credit, and climate-related risks. They urged the government to adopt a holistic approach to agricultural reform.
Despite the concerns, RHAMP has sparked optimism among aspiring agripreneurs. “This could be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for,” said a young farmer in Akwa Ibom. “If the process is fair, I’m applying.”
