- The focus of these talks was centered on the company’s keen interest in investing in Nigeria’s agricultural industry
- He underscored the pivotal role agriculture plays in addressing security challenges while simultaneously enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers
As part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, the Nigerian government is in talks with the well-known American company, John Deere, to set up a tractor assembly plant within the country.
This initiative follows Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to the United States, during which he engaged in discussions with senior John Deere officials, led by Vice President of Production Systems, Jason Brantley.
The focus of these talks was centered on the company’s keen interest in investing in Nigeria’s agricultural industry.
Vice President Shettima, speaking during the interaction with the investors, stressed Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to revolutionising agriculture.
He underscored the pivotal role agriculture plays in addressing security challenges while simultaneously enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
He said, “Without mechanization, you can never be truly self-sufficient in food production. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to revitalising the Nigerian agricultural sector. And for us to be self-sufficient in food production, three key elements are essential.
“First is certified seeds, then mechanization, provision of fertilizer, and of course, agricultural extension services,” he noted.
The VP who spoke on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones project stated that “It is designed to provide the infrastructure, platform, and framework for the private sector to add value to Nigeria’s agricultural produce for the domestic, regional market, and the global community.”