Investors in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have been urged to emulate the Government of Katsina State in mechanised agriculture to address food insecurity in the country.
Chinese partner in the industry, Xu Rui, gave the charge at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, noting that the model implemented in Katsina could serve as a blueprint for other states.
The stakeholders also praised Katsina Governor, Dikko Radda, for pioneering large-scale agricultural interventions, including the procurement of 400 tractors and the training of local youths to support the state’s agro-industrial transformation.
“I believe other states can learn from this experience. Mechanisation is a necessary step for agricultural development.
“Especially in the North, there is a lot of good land that should be cultivated. Other states should consider creating similar plans,” Rui stated.
He disclosed that the firm had completed the supply of 400 tractors and several combined harvesters to the state, with distribution already underway across all 34 local councils.
Rui acknowledged logistical challenges in the project’s execution, including the rapid shipment of machinery from China and time-bound delivery to meet the farming season, saying the project was successfully completed and handed over on schedule.
Also speaking, the President of Ben 10 Equipment Company and a key partner in the project, Bernard Oshi, commended Radda’s commitment to reviving agriculture and industrial growth in the state.
He said that Katsina’s approach combines equipment deployment with youth empowerment, adding that it has also helped to address insecurity in the region.
According to Oshi, about 40 per cent of the youth from the programme have been redirected from criminal activities to productive engagement in agriculture.
He said, “I came to deeply admire Governor Radda’s leadership skills and proactive Vision during our trip to China, where we sought out the most innovative agricultural and industrial equipment to support his transformative agenda.
“A man focused on achieving his revolutionary goals, undistracted even for a moment.
“A leader with a clear game plan to elevate his state to compete favorably with the most prosperous states.
“It is now common knowledge that the dividends of democracy are steadily spreading throughout the state reaching even the most remote corners of what was once a neglected region in northern Nigeria.”
Oshi noted that insecurity persists in the region, but the governor is tackling it directly through social reengineering initiatives and developmental projects, with a vision to transform Katsina into a major food-producing hub for the country.
Recall that the Food and Agriculture Organisation in January projected that 30.6 million people in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are projected to face acute food and nutrition insecurity or worse during the June–August 2025 lean season.
