In a major step toward improving food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria, Hello Tractor, in partnership with Heifer International and Innovate UK, has launched a state-of-the-art mechanization hub in Gwako, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The launch was met with strong support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with Engineer Sule Majid, Director of Mechanization, who delivered the keynote address, commending Hello Tractor’s critical role in driving agricultural innovation and mechanization in the country.

Speaking at the event, Majid, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Mechanization, Engineer Drai John, praised the collaboration between the private sector and the government, emphasizing its importance in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. “Achieving food security through mechanized agriculture and innovative technology requires collaboration,” Majid stated. “The launch of this hub, combined with the government’s recent procurement of 4,000 tractors, signifies a crucial step toward boosting agricultural production and achieving food sufficiency.”

The Director of Mechanization also highlighted the government’s commitment to working closely with private sector partners like Hello Tractor to mechanize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that this partnership will be essential for achieving long-term sustainability in food production. “The Nigerian government is dedicated to enhancing food security for generations to come, and by embracing mechanized agriculture, we are on the right path to ensuring that our nation’s agricultural potential is fully realized,” he added.

The newly launched mechanization hub is designed to serve as a comprehensive center for tractor owners, operators, booking agents, farmers, and technicians. It provides essential services such as tractor maintenance, logistics, access to agricultural inputs, and market linkages, making it easier for smallholder farmers to access the tools they need to increase productivity.

Dr. Nneka Enwonwu, Country Managing Director of Hello Tractor Nigeria, underscored the importance of the hub in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. “This hub is more than just about mechanization; it’s about empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge to boost productivity and build a resilient agricultural system,” Enwonwu said. “By enhancing service efficiency and fostering stronger collaboration across the ecosystem, we are creating a pathway to a sustainable, food-secure Nigeria that will benefit future generations.”

Folu Okunade, Chief Operating Officer of Hello Tractor, addressed the significant demand for tractors in Nigeria, noting that the country needs over 700,000 tractors to fully meet the needs of its cultivatable land. “Mechanization is not just an option—it’s a necessity for Nigeria to increase agricultural productivity and improve food security,” Okunade explained. “Farmers don’t need to own tractors; our hub enables them to access affordable services without the burden of ownership.”

Hello Tractor’s application has already mechanized over three million hectares of land and served more than a million farmers across Africa. The company’s vision is to expand beyond its current five-country footprint, with the goal of impacting five million farmers in the next five years.

Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, added that mechanization is essential not only for boosting productivity but also for ensuring sustainability. “Mechanization is not just about increasing yields—it’s about doing so sustainably, with an eye on the long-term well-being of our environment and communities,” Tobe said.

With the launch of this new hub, Hello Tractor continues to build on its mission of providing affordable, reliable mechanization services to smallholder farmers, helping to secure Nigeria’s food future and strengthen the agricultural sector for the long term.