The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) says the National Policy on Agricultural Mechanisation would be a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector when approved.

The ministry’s permanent secretary, Marcus Ogunbiyi, said this at a two-day validation workshop of the policy on Tuesday in Ilorin.

He said the meeting was to chart sustainable pathways for agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria.

Mr Ogunbiyi, represented by the director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Mechanisation, Sule Majeed, said the document was a product of extensive, all-inclusive consultations and expert opinions from across the nation.

The permanent secretary stated that agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria was currently facing immense potential constraints and significant challenges.

”Our mechanisation rate stands at a mere 0.27 horsepower (hp) per hectare (ha), a figure that pales in comparison to other nations and falls drastically short of the Food and Agriculture Organisation recommendation of 1.5 hp/ha.

”Over 78 per cent of farm power is still provided by human muscle, followed by 15 per cent from animals, leaving a meagre seven per cent from mechanical sources.

“This reliance on crude, labour-intensive methods has resulted in decreased production output, low yields, and high post-harvest losses. It has also resulted in a sector struggling to keep pace with our growing population and economic aspirations,” he said.

Mr Ogunbiyi noted that the policy’s vision was to transition Nigerian agriculture from subsistence to a modern, commercial, and competitive enterprise.

”The policy is anchored on the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

”It is our chance to reduce drudgery, create wealth, ensure food security, and make agriculture a profession of pride and profit for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

The executive director of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Abdulgafar Kamal, said the policy was a roadmap to reposition mechanisation as a central driver of food security, youth employment, and sustainable development.

”Agricultural mechanisation remains a cornerstone for transforming Nigeria’s agriculture. Without it, our aspirations for food security, agro-industrialisation, and sustainable rural livelihoods will remain limited.

“The policy, once validated and adopted, will serve as a roadmap to improve access to mechanisation services and encourage local manufacturing and assembly of agricultural machinery. It will also encourage skills development and youth employment and ensure that mechanisation is sustainable and environmentally friendly,” he said.

Other stakeholders present include commissioners of agriculture from various states, the Nigeria Customs Services, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, among others.

(NAN)