By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has disclosed it’s partnership with Nasarawa state government and Bobtrack Tractors to commence the manufacturing and assembling of tractors in the north-central geo-political zone.
The Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu made this known on Monday when the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdulahi Sule led a delegation comprising of Bob Track Tractors paid him a visit in Abuja.
According to a statement electronically signed by the Director, Information, Segun Ayeoyenikan, the facilities and infrastructure available at one of NASENI’s Institutes, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI), Lafia, in Nasarawa state will be used for assembling and manufacturing of the tractors.
Halilu said the project is aimed at creating wealth and jobs for Nigerian youths and is in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of ensuring food security and promotion of mechanized farming and agro-business in the country.
The executive vice chairman who assured Governor Sule and the delegation of NASENI’s readiness to do business with them, said, “the Agency is willing to partner with you and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) so that in the next couple of weeks we will move into action.”
He disclosed that Mr. President had recognized NASENI as a national brand and its National Tractor Recovery Programme wherein 55,000 tractors would be refurbished for mechanized farming nationwide.
In his remarks, Governor Sule said, he aligned with NASENI’s vision of collaborating and promoting made-in-Nigeria goods and also believed that government’s role is to provide a level playing field necessary for businesses to thrive.
The objective of his visit, he said, was to introduce the Bob Track Tractors which deals in assembling and manufacturing of tractor and farm implements with offices in Port Harcourt to NASENI so that it could utilize the existing facilities at AMEDI, Lafia for assembling of tractors instead of acquiring a new land for the business.
The CEO of Bob Track Tractors, Mr. Ibifiri Bob Manuel said, “We are ready to take up the facility that you have in Nasarawa State, create employment and wealth for the youths in the area and also use it as a hub to drive mechanized agricultural vision of the present administration. We are willing to invest in Nasarawa state with help of His Excellency, his team and NASENI.”
