Farmers to access tractors under new leasing initiative
August 6, 2026 12:56 am
Smallholder farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states are set to gain access to affordable tractors, irrigation systems and other modern farming equipment following a new partnership between the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority and Heifer Nigeria aimed at boosting food production, strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing Nigeria’s food security.
The two organisations signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding, which will run from August 15, 2026, to August 14, 2028, under Heifer Nigeria’s flagship Naija Unlock Programme.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communication of the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority, Adebola Sunday.
According to the statement, the initiative will expand access to agricultural mechanisation through flexible leasing and lease-to-own models, enabling smallholder farmers, cooperatives, women and young agripreneurs to acquire modern equipment without the high upfront costs associated with outright purchases.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ELRA, Donald Wokoma, described the agreement as a major milestone in advancing agricultural financing and addressing one of the biggest barriers to increased food production.
He said the initiative would initially benefit farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states, where the Naija Unlock Programme will be implemented, while providing a model that could be replicated across the country.
“This partnership demonstrates how equipment leasing can unlock opportunities for farmers, cooperatives, women and young agripreneurs in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states by providing affordable access to tractors, irrigation systems, processing equipment and other productive assets required to drive agricultural transformation.
“It also reinforces ELRA’s commitment to making leasing a catalyst for national development by connecting more Nigerians with the productive assets they need to succeed. We are confident that this collaboration will redefine how farmers and rural enterprises access equipment, ultimately driving productivity, job creation and economic prosperity,” Wokoma said.
Also speaking, the Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, Lekan Tobe, said the collaboration reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers through practical, market-driven solutions.
He said implementation would begin in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states under the Naija Unlock Programme, with the expectation that the model would later be expanded to other parts of the country.
“At Heifer Nigeria, we believe that access to productive assets is fundamental to transforming agriculture and lifting farming families out of poverty. Through this partnership with ELRA, we are introducing innovative leasing models that will enable farmers, cooperatives, women and youth in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states to acquire the equipment they need to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and build resilient agribusinesses.
“Together, we are creating pathways for smallholder farmers to move from subsistence to sustainable prosperity while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security objectives,” Tobe said.
According to the statement, the agreement provides for the joint development of affordable leasing and lease-to-own models covering tractors, power tillers, planters, weeders, threshers, solar-powered irrigation systems, renewable energy-powered agricultural equipment, processing machinery, storage facilities and cold-chain infrastructure.
It added that the initiative is expected to lower production costs, reduce manual labour, improve farm efficiency and bridge the financing gap that has long prevented many farmers from accessing modern agricultural machinery.
Beyond equipment financing, both organisations will also implement capacity-building programmes covering agribusiness management, financial literacy, equipment operation and maintenance, enterprise development and asset management for farmers, cooperatives, leasing companies and rural enterprises.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.
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