By Sylvester Thompson
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday in Borno has described the ability of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to revive 375 abandoned tractors in Borno State as powerful shift in approach of value, sustainability, and innovation by Nigerians.
The tractors were part of the over 1000 procured under Shettima as Borno State Governor.
Segun Ayeoyenikan, NASENI’s Director of Information, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said the revival of the tractors was carried out under the Federal Government’s National Assets Restoration Programme being executed by the agency.
Speaking after unveiling the 375 tractors for mechanised farming, Shettima said the programme aims to support agriculture, industry, and creative sectors through investment in infrastructure, skills, and innovation.
“This initiative responds to our long-standing challenge — what to do with abandoned, poorly maintained assets owned by both the nation and its people
“It represents a powerful shift in how we approach value, sustainability, and innovation. This is the promise we have made to Nigeria,” Shettima said.
Shettima lauded NASENI for initiating the project, saying it prevented a national tragedy and proved its ability to serve as a centre for technology transfer.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno noted the tractors were procured by Kashim Shettima who was his predecessor.
According to Zulum, Shettima procured 1,000 tractors, calling it the largest such investment in Borno and Nigeria at the time.
He said NASENI restored the state’s damaged tractors without charging the government any fees.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, said the agency’s work shows Nigerian challenges can be met with Nigerian-engineered solutions.
“We are developing talent, building capacity, and enabling large-scale technology transfer across Nigeria,” Halilu said.
He added: “We are transforming NASENI into a true national enabler—quietly but boldly proving government can work and transformation is achievable.”
Halilu said NASENI did not intend to launch just another project, but to solve a pressing national problem.
He explained that public assets worth trillions were left idle, not due to damage, but from a lack of systems for restoration.
According to him, their national survey found over 47,000 serviceable but broken-down agricultural and law enforcement assets across the country.
He said replacing the assets would cost more than ₦14 trillion, but restoration could reduce costs significantly.
“With the right people and partnerships, we can restore these assets for just 15 to 25% of their value.
“This equates to savings of over ₦10 trillion while reviving jobs, productivity, and security,” he said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, gave figures on broken-down tractors nationwide.
He welcomed the restoration programme, saying it would be key to achieving food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN)
