NASENI partners with Nasarawa, firm to establish tractor manufacturing plant for wealth creation, food security

*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, receives Governor (Engr.) Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, to facilitate discussions on the project aimed at creating wealth, promoting mechanised farming, ensuring food security, and jobs for Nigerian youths

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says it is set to collaborate with the Nasarawa State Government of Nigeria and Bobtrack Tractors, a division of Saint Bob Motors Limited, to start the manufacturing and assembling of tractors in the North-Central geo-political zone of the country.

Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, disclosed this when Governor (Engr.) Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State led a delegation comprising Bob Track Tractors Monday, April 22, 2024, on a visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, FCT.

Halilu said the facilities and infrastructure available at one of its Institutes, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI), Lafia, in Nasarawa State capital, would be used for assembling and manufacturing of the tractors.

Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI, stated the EVC/CEO said the project which aims at creating wealth and jobs for Nigerian youths is in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of ensuring food security and promotion of mechanised farming and agro-business in the country.

Halilu, who assured Governor Sule and the delegation of  NASENI’s readiness to do business with them, said, “the Agency is willing to partner with you and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) so that in the next couple of weeks we will move into action.”

The NASENI Executive Vice-Chairman stressed Mr. President had recognised NASENI as a national brand and its National Tractor Recovery Programme wherein 55,000 tractors would be refurbished for mechanised farming nationwide.

In his remarks, Governor Sule assured that he aligned with NASENI’s vision of collaborating and promoting made-in-Nigeria goods and also believed that government’s role is to provide a level playing field necessary for businesses to thrive.

According to him, the objective of his visit was to introduce the Bob Track Tractors, which deals in assembling and manufacturing of tractors and other farm implements with offices in Port Harcourt to NASENI.

The governor suggested that the company could utilise the existing facilities at AMEDI, in Lafia, for assembling of tractors instead of acquiring a new land for the business.

The CEO of Bob Track Tractors, Mr. Ibifiri A.C. Bob Manuel, said: “We are ready to take up the facility that you have in Nasarawa State, create employment and wealth for the youths in the area and also use it as a hub to drive mechanised agricultural vision of the present administration. We are willing to invest in Nasarawa state with help of His Excellency, his team and NASENI.”