Vice President Shettima to Launch National Asset Restoration Programme in Borno State with NASENI’s Tractor Recovery Initiative
Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to officially launch the National Asset Restoration Programme today in Maiduguri, Borno State. The launch marks the commencement of this strategic initiative in the North-East region, beginning with a vital agricultural support component — the Tractor Recovery Project spearheaded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
This event will be held at the Borno State Agricultural Mechanisation (BOSAMAN) Farm Centre in Maiduguri, where dignitaries and stakeholders will gather to witness the unveiling of a program designed to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to mechanised agriculture and food security.
The Tractor Recovery Project, fully funded, managed, and executed by NASENI, is being carried out in collaboration with its technical partner, Machine and Equipment Corporation Africa Limited (MECA).
The project seeks to revitalize non-functional or obsolete tractors and return them to active service in rural farming communities. This aligns closely with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to restore productivity and self-reliance across key sectors.
Vice President Shettima, who will serve as the Eminent Guest of Honour, is expected to inaugurate the programme alongside Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State and Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI. Several other government officials and stakeholders in the agricultural and engineering sectors will also be in attendance.
The Tractor Recovery Initiative is a crucial intervention that directly addresses the alarming shortfall in functional agricultural equipment. Current statistics reveal that Nigeria has an estimated 55,000 broken-down tractors, while only 7,000 to 10,000 are currently operational. This gap has severely hampered large-scale farming and mechanised agriculture.
Under the National Asset Restoration Programme, the restoration process involves the full rehabilitation of tractors — including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and structural systems. These tractors are being restored to optimal working conditions, making them suitable for immediate deployment to support farming operations across Borno State and surrounding regions.
Beyond merely refurbishing equipment, the programme represents a strategic investment in rural development, helping to rebuild livelihoods, revitalize agricultural productivity, and reignite rural economies. It showcases the power of home-grown engineering solutions to solve local challenges and bolster national development.
By restoring these assets, NASENI is contributing directly to the broader national agenda of enhancing food production, ensuring food security, and empowering farmers with the tools necessary to thrive.