Enugu State aims to boost its agricultural sector significantly by assembling 1,000 tractors locally by 2025, with an initial 300 tractors set to be assembled by the end of 2024. Governor Dr. Peter Mbah announced this initiative as part of his administration’s broader economic growth strategy, which seeks to elevate the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion and enhance food security.
Governor Mbah shared this vision during a meeting with Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, the newly elected President of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and other association leaders at the Government House, Enugu.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and reducing investment risks. He urged investors to consider Enugu for their ventures, highlighting the state’s readiness for business and willingness to collaborate through Joint Ventures (JVs) or Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Mbah revealed that Enugu has signed an agreement with a Danish company to manufacture tractors locally. The immediate goal is to assemble over 300 tractors by year-end, with a medium-term target of 1,000 tractors by the end of next year. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imported machinery and implements for farming in the state.
Additionally, Mbah outlined plans for a Special Processing Zone to add value to agricultural products, rather than exporting them raw. The state is also investing in essential infrastructure, including urban and rural roads, power, water, and security to support this growth. Recently, the state completed paving 71 roads and awarded contracts for 141 new roads, focusing particularly on access roads to farmlands.
Governor Mbah congratulated Dr. Okoye on his new role and expressed his administration’s eagerness to collaborate with NECA to expand economic opportunities in Enugu State. In response, NECA’s leadership expressed strong support for the governor’s vision, emphasizing the alignment between the administration’s goals and NECA’s objectives for socio-economic development in Enugu State and the Southeast region.
The partnership between the public and private sectors is expected to drive growth, create jobs, and enhance the overall well-being of the state’s citizens.
