BoA Seeks House of Reps Partnership to Mechanise 1.2 Million Hectares of Farmland

The Bank of Agriculture has proposed a nationwide partnership with the House of Representatives to accelerate mechanised farming across 1.2 million hectares in the country’s 360 federal constituencies. The move is aimed at boosting food production and tackling rural poverty.

The bank’s Managing Director unveiled the initiative during a presentation on the floor of the House at Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja. Speaking with journalists shortly after, he explained that the programme is designed to increase agricultural productivity, create jobs, reduce hunger, and address some of the structural drivers of insecurity.

If implemented at scale, the plan would mark a shift from subsistence to commercial farming, positioning Nigeria as a net food exporter.

At the core of the proposal is a cost-sharing model involving lawmakers. Each member of the House would contribute 60 per cent of the cost of a tractor to be deployed within their constituency for use by local farmers

A single tractor can mechanise a minimum of five hectares per hour and up to 600 hectares annually. With a projected rollout of 2,000 tractors nationwide, the scheme could cover as much as 1.2 million hectares each year. Once a member acquires a tractor, they will also provide secure land to establish a farming hub, alongside a tractor booking system to ensure efficient usage.

The proposed hubs will function as integrated service centres, giving farmers access to inputs, irrigation, aggregation facilities, financial services, and extension support. The irrigation component would enable year-round farming, allowing for at least three production cycles annually.

The BoA boss noted that the initiative is conceived as a vehicle for economic inclusion, capable of reducing the number of Nigerians on the social register by creating sustainable income opportunities. Internally displaced persons, particularly in states such as Borno and Benue, could benefit significantly through improved access to farming tools and structured support systems, aiding their reintegration.

Nigeria has grappled with rising food inflation, low farm productivity, and increasing rural insecurity. Despite vast arable land estimated at over 30 million hectares, the country remains heavily dependent on manual farming. Tractor density is among the lowest globally, with fewer than one tractor per 1,000 hectares. This gap has continued to limit yields and efficiency.

The proposal signals an attempt to reposition the Bank of Agriculture as a frontline driver of mechanisation by leveraging the constituency reach of lawmakers to deliver assets and services directly to rural communities. With food security concerns mounting, the success of such a partnership could prove critical in reshaping the country’s agricultural landscape.