From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, a major initiative aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural sector. The centre, located in Tashar Bala, is equipped with 400 brand new tractors and other modern machinery intended to drive the transition from subsistence to mechanised farming.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, President Tinubu commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for the strides made in his two years in office, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and social development.
“The remarkable progress you’ve made in just two years—especially in agriculture, infrastructure, and social development—is commendable. You are a governor of honesty, integrity, and commitment,” Tinubu said.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the state, noting that Governor Radda was not working in isolation. “Your governor is not walking alone—the Federal Government is standing with him, side by side,” he stated.
Emphasizing the centrality of agriculture to Nigeria’s economic future, Tinubu declared that the time for subsistence farming was over. “We are investing in modern farming techniques, mechanisation, irrigation, and water management,” he said.
He further announced that the Bank of Agriculture is undergoing restructuring and recapitalization to enhance access to credit for farmers at all levels, in a bid to achieve national food sovereignty.
The President also hailed the state government for completing the 24-kilometre Ajiwa-Ruwan Godiya road in a record 18 months, describing it as “a testament to your effectiveness.”
On federal infrastructure projects, Tinubu revealed that the second phase of the Katsina-Kano Road project had resumed following the resolution of technical delays. He added that contracts had been awarded for the rehabilitation of the Maraba–Kankara–Zango–Katsina Road and the Sabuwa–Rimi–Danja–Dayi–Funtua–Dandume Road.
He disclosed that the Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi Railway project is expected to be completed by 2026, easing the movement of goods and people and reducing pressure on Nigeria’s roads.
“Let me assure you again: Katsina has not been forgotten. Many more federal projects are in the pipeline to support your growth and development,” the President affirmed.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to past national leaders from Katsina State, including the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, praying for their eternal rest and acknowledging their contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.
Earlier in his address, Governor Radda said his administration is anchored on five pillars—Agriculture, Infrastructure, Human Capital Development, Security, and Service Delivery.
“Katsina is an agrarian state. We have over 450,000 smallholder farmers with an average land size of 2.5 hectares, most of whom rely on government support to produce profitably and sustainably,” Radda said.
He described the Agricultural Mechanisation Centre as a game-changer, with 400 Lovol tractors, 10 multi-functional combine harvesters, 400 disc harrows and ridgers, 70 tractor trailers, and 1,000 multi-planters to serve all 34 local government areas.
“Our goal is to reduce the cost of cultivation per hectare and expand cultivable land through modern technology,” he added.
The Governor noted that a survey of 411,000 farms—over 90% of farms in the state—revealed high input costs and low soil fertility as major constraints. In response, the state government spent over N20 billion in 2024 to supply 400,000 bags of fertiliser (20,000 metric tonnes). He announced that distribution for the 2025 wet season would soon begin.
On irrigation support, Radda said 6,000 solar-powered water pumps have been provided for dry-season farming.
Highlighting achievements in infrastructure, he said the Urban Renewal Project has delivered 55.53 kilometres of dual carriageways and over 110 kilometres of township roads, all completed within 18 months. In total, more than 160 kilometres of roads have been constructed to improve connectivity across the state.
He also cited massive investment in water supply through the SURWASH program, which aims to provide clean water to over one million people in small towns and semi-urban communities.
Governor Radda concluded by thanking President Tinubu for a N25 billion direct intervention to fight insecurity in Katsina State.
“Your leadership in these trying times inspires our resolve to make the hard choices necessary for the long-term wellbeing of our people,” he said.
The commissioning event attracted top government officials, traditional leaders, and thousands of citizens, all eager to witness what is expected to be a new chapter in Katsina’s agricultural transformation.
