He further stated that the initiative will engage Nigeria’s youth through new roles in equipment handling, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation.
Viktor Karenkevich, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, congratulated the Nigerian leader and the people of Nigeria for initiating a strategic and timely intervention to strengthen national food security.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Belarus’s President, Alexander Lukashenko, the deputy president described President Tinubu’s choice of Belarus as a trusted partner in the supply of agricultural machinery as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
He noted that Belarusian equipment is known for quality, affordability, and durability and is present in over 100 countries worldwide.
Karankevich recalled that both nations signed a roadmap agreement during the 2024 Belagro Exhibition in Minsk, setting the foundation for joint agricultural mechanisation efforts.
Today, Belarusian machinery begins to serve the people of Nigeria. This marks the first phase of a landmark bilateral project that has already elevated our cooperation to a new level.”
He confirmed Belarus’ readiness to move into the second and third phases of the programme.
He said the phases include establishing service and maintenance centres for Belarusian machinery in Nigeria, setting up local assembly plants for agricultural equipment, constructing grain storage complexes, and training Nigerians to operate and maintain advanced farming machinery.
“Agricultural mechanisation is just one example of our cooperation.
“It confirms the immense potential of Belarus–Nigeria relations, grounded in friendship, equality, mutual respect, and trust,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister echoed the words of President Lukashenko on Belarus’ approach to Africa, saying :
“We come to Africa as friends. We are ready to help you become masters of your land, to benefit your people, and to develop your industry, agriculture, science, and technology.”
Karankevich delivered a personal letter and official invitation from President Lukashenko to President Tinubu, inviting the Nigerian leader to visit Belarus at a future date.
Dignitaries present at the event included the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; representatives of the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture; members of the National Assembly, farmers’ cooperatives, a
nd development partners.
