Enugu State has taken a giant leap toward agricultural transformation with the arrival of 100 brand-new tractors from Denmark. This marks the first batch of a 1,000-tractor initiative under Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary leadership, reinforcing his commitment to economic expansion and food security. The remaining 800 tractors will be assembled locally at the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant in Enugu, a move set to boost employment and stimulate industrial growth.
Governor Mbah’s administration had earlier entered into a strategic partnership with Nortra Tractors, a subsidiary of the Denmark-based ODK Group, to enhance mechanized farming in the state. The partnership, which also includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, was officially flagged off on October 22, 2024. This initiative aligns with the governor’s ambitious goal of growing Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, while ensuring food sufficiency through modernized agricultural practices.
The project goes beyond mere procurement; it represents a comprehensive strategy to industrialize Enugu’s agricultural sector. By opting to assemble 800 tractors locally instead of fully importing them, the initiative will create job opportunities, promote local manufacturing, and encourage technological transfer. Furthermore, the establishment of a service center ensures sustainability, as tractors will receive the necessary maintenance to enhance their lifespan and efficiency.
Speaking on the development, Nortra Tractors CEO, Philip Njoku, expressed optimism about the project, stating that Enugu’s conducive business environment and forward-thinking leadership made it the perfect destination for their first African investment. Echoing this sentiment, ODK Group CEO, Morten Anderson, commended Governor Mbah’s administration for its proactive approach to agricultural modernization and infrastructure development.
Beyond mechanization, the Mbah-led government has been proactive in implementing complementary agricultural policies. The launch of 260 Smart Farm Estates across all political wards in Enugu aims to empower smallholder farmers with modern farming techniques and access to mechanized tools. These efforts collectively position Enugu as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, setting the state apart as an investment hub.
While the tractors roll into Enugu, expectations are high for increased food production, enhanced rural development, and greater economic opportunities for farmers. With this initiative, Governor Peter Mbah continues to redefine governance, proving that Enugu’s future is not just promising but already unfolding.