Smallholder farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun and Edo states are set to gain access to affordable tractors, irrigation systems and other modern farming equipment following a new partnership between the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority and Heifer Nigeria aimed at boosting food production, strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing Nigeria’s food security.
The two organisations 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.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communication of the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority, Adebola Sunday.
According to the statement, the initiative will expand access to agricultural mechanisation 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 purchase.
Speaking 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.
