Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called for a fundamental paradigm shift in Nigeria's agricultural mechanization strategy, urging stakeholders to move away from individual tractor ownership toward a modernized, investment-driven service delivery model.

?Speaking on Wednesday at the High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanization organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, Governor Zulum highlighted low productivity, limited technology adoption, inadequate investment, and weak value chains as the critical bottlenecks hindering the nation's agricultural potential.

?He stressed that mechanization must be delivered as an accessible service, providing farmers with timely access to land preparation, precision farming tools, irrigation, and advanced technologies.

Outlining his vision, Zulum presented a four-pillar framework centered on mechanizing operations to boost productivity and reduce drudgery, digitalizing processes to enhance precision and efficiency, regenerating agricultural resources for long-term sustainability, and investing in critical infrastructure, technology, and agribusinesses.

?Reflecting on Borno State's experience, Zulum explained that his administration's substantial agricultural investments serve as a vital catalyst for restoring livelihoods and rebuilding communities affected by years of insecurity and displacement.

?To ensure lasting impact, the Governor called for enhanced private-sector engagement and innovative financing to support local equipment assembly, renewable energy solutions, storage, processing, and youth- and women-led agricultural enterprises.

He emphasized that the objective must be to build a modern, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural economy capable of ensuring food security, generating employment, and driving global competitiveness.

?Governor Zulum was accompanied to the dialogue by House of Representatives member Engr. Bukar Talba; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Managing Director of the Borno Investment Company, Mohammed Bukar Umar; and Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busiguma.