BoA explains delay in distribution of Tinubu-unveiled 2,000 tractors

Says equipment to move into farms in January

By Kunle Sanni –

The Bank of Agriculture (BoA) has explained the delay in the distribution of tractors unveiled on June 24 by President Bola Tinubu, saying the pause is intentional and aimed at reforming Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation system.

The tractors, which were imported from Belarus, have not yet been released to users as the bank finalises a transparent and sustainable allocation framework. According to BoA, the equipment will not be distributed indiscriminately in order to avoid past failures associated with politically driven allocations.

In an interview with The Nation, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr Ayo Sotinrin, said the bank adopted a structured application process to ensure that the tractors reach genuine mechanisation service providers.

He disclosed that about 110,000 applications were received from across the country before the application window closed last month.

“We are currently shortlisting the applicants from 110,000 to about 4,000, and eventually to 2,000 companies,” Sotinrin said, adding that distribution is scheduled to begin in January to support dry-season farming activities.

Sotinrin stressed that the selection process would be strictly merit-based, with no room for political interference.

“There will be no political allocation. If we discover that any tractor has gone to a political person, it will be taken back. There will be no party sharing or manipulation,” he said.