Nelson Utip
Farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states are about to access affordable tractors, irrigation systems and other modern farming equipment as a result of a new partnership agreement between the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority and Heifer Nigeria. It is aimed at boosting food production, strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing Nigeria’s food security.
The two companies 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.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority, Adebola Sunday.
The statement stated that the initiative will expand access to agricultural mechanization 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.
In his speech 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 further said that 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.
The Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, Lekan Tobe, in his speech said that the collaboration reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers through practical, market-driven solutions.
He further said that 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.
The statement stated that 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 also stated 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.
Apart from equipment financing, the two 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.
