Nigerian farmers will gain access to modern agricultural machinery through leasing.

As part of the flagship Naija Unlock program, a two-year cooperation agreement has been signed, effective from August 15, 2026, to August 14, 2028. The initiative aims to improve the country's food security, develop production chains, and increase food production volumes. Access to modern equipment will be provided through flexible leasing models and "lease-to-own" programs, which will allow farmers, cooperatives, women, and young entrepreneurs to avoid large one-time equipment purchase costs.

At the initial stage, the project will cover Benue, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Edo states. According to ELRA Registrar and CEO Donald Wokoma, this model may be expanded to other regions of the country in the future. The list of available equipment includes tractors, power tillers, seeders, weeders, threshers, as well as solar-powered irrigation systems, renewable energy machinery, processing equipment, and storage infrastructure.

Heifer Nigeria Country Director Lekan Tobe noted that this approach is intended to transform agriculture by providing farmers with access to the assets necessary to increase productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. In addition, the agreement provides for training programs. Farmers, leasing company staff, and representatives of rural enterprises will receive training in agribusiness management, financial literacy, equipment operation and maintenance, and asset management.