By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Government has dismissed recent media reports alleging that it is selling off its tractors and laying-off staff at Niger Foods to service debts, describing the claims as “entirely false” and a misrepresentation of facts.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Nuhu Nana Obed , the State has not sold any tractor. Instead, the government continues to expand its agricultural assets under its ongoing mechanisation programme.
He stressed that, “Most recently, Niger State procured 250 brand-new tractors to support farmers across its 25 local government areas, with each LGA slated to receive ten tractors.”
The Commissioner added that, “The initiative was aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing reliance on manual farming, and promoting food security and rural development.”
“The deliberate expansion of agricultural infrastructure clearly contradicts any narrative of asset disposal due to finance all distress tractors,” the Commissioner stated.
According to him, “It reflects a strategic investment in long-term economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.”
Niger State is currently recognized as the national leader in agricultural mechanisation, maintaining the largest fleet of tractors in Nigeria.
The Commissioner further emphasized the importance of responsible reporting, noting that sensationalism and speculation undermine public trust, distort perceptions of government policy, and could negatively impact investment in the agricultural sector.
Governor of Niger State recently reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agricultural expansion during the formal presentation of a Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Ministry of Finance, further reinforcing the State’s stance.
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