The Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has commenced the celebration of its 50th anniversary in grand style with the 25th International Conference, 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), and the maiden edition of the National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition (NAME).
The week-long event is being held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofian, Kwara State, from November 10 to 14, 2025.
With the theme, “Standardization and Promotion of Proven Technologies for Agricultural Production and Value Addition in Nigeria,” the historic conference brought together top government officials, professional engineers, researchers, innovators, fabricators, and farmers to deliberate on strategies for strengthening agricultural mechanization and technology standardization in Nigeria.
In his address, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, congratulated the leadership and members of NIAE for five decades of professional excellence and invaluable contributions to national development.
He described the golden jubilee celebration as a “legacy of ideas, innovation, and advocacy” that continues to shape Nigeria’s agricultural transformation journey.
Kyari noted that agricultural mechanization remains at the heart of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for transforming the agricultural sector.
According to him, the Federal Government recently procured 2,000 tractors, 9,000 complementary implements, and 9,000 sets of spare parts to improve farmers’ access to modern equipment across all regions of the country.
The Minister also disclosed that the government is establishing Mechanization Service Centres in each geopolitical zone to serve as regional hubs for training, repairs, and coordination.
He said the initiative would be supported by NCAM’s certification and quality assurance systems to ensure that every deployed machine meets the required standards.
Highlighting further developments, Kyari revealed a groundbreaking collaboration between NCAM and Tata Motors of Egypt aimed at mass-producing and commercializing locally developed agricultural technologies.
He explained that the partnership had already led to the development of an improved yam mound-making machine that doubles as a ridge maker, as well as other innovations such as the cassava stem planter, grain and seed planter, and mechanical weeder.
“Our farmers deserve home-grown technologies developed with a deep understanding of our soils, crops, and farming practices. This collaboration will enhance local manufacturing, create jobs, and boost food production,” Kyari stated.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Borno State and a Fellow of the NIAE, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, described agricultural mechanization as a crucial driver of productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He commended NIAE and NCAM for organizing the first-ever National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition, noting that it would help bridge the gap between innovation and the adoption of proven technologies.
Zulum emphasized the need to standardize and promote indigenous technologies, urging engineers, researchers, and private sector actors to work collaboratively toward building a resilient, food-secure nation.
“Our proven technologies must not only enhance productivity but also tackle poverty and improve livelihoods, especially in rural communities,” he said.
The Governor pledged continued government partnership and support to promote agricultural innovation and mechanization.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Chairman of NIAE, Engr. Prof. J.O. Olaoye, FNIAE, FNSE, described the 50th anniversary celebration as “a moment of reflection, innovation, and renewed commitment” to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
He explained that the triple-fold event, the international conference, AGM, and exhibition, marks a paradigm shift from routine paper presentations to a solution-driven engagement that directly impacts farmers and the national food system.
Olaoye reaffirmed NIAE’s commitment to fostering collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to accelerate mechanization and promote local fabrication and standardization of agricultural machinery.
“Our golden jubilee is not just a celebration of longevity; it is a call to rededicate ourselves to advancing mechanized, climate-smart, and youth-inclusive agriculture across Nigeria,” he stated.
The event also featured exhibitions of locally fabricated machines, including planters, threshers, harvesters, and dryers designed by Nigerian engineers and innovators to enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, and boost food security.
As NIAE celebrates five decades of purposeful existence, participants agreed that the next phase of its journey must focus on translating research into real-world impact, turning ideas into implements, and technology into transformation for national prosperity.