The Niger State Government has refuted claims circulating in some media that it is selling off tractors and laying off staff at Niger Foods to service debts, described the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement, Honourable Obed Nuhu Nana, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, clarified that no tractors have been sold and no employees have been disengaged. On the contrary, the State recently procured 250 brand-new tractors, which will be deployed across all 25 Local Government Areas to support farmers, increase productivity, and reduce reliance on manual farming practices.
“Niger State continues to expand its agricultural assets in line with its mechanisation agenda,” Nana said, highlighted that the State currently maintained the largest fleet of tractors in Nigeria. This leadership has also facilitated collaborations with other states, including Edo and Taraba, which are adopting Niger State’s mechanisation model with technical support.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of professional and ethical journalism, warned that false narratives about asset liquidation or staff layoffs can undermine public trust, create unnecessary anxiety among farmers, and distort perceptions of government policy.
Reaffirming the State’s commitment to agricultural growth, the Governor of Niger State recently emphasized these priorities during the formal presentation of a Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Ministry of Finance, underscoring the administration’s focus on food security and rural development.
Nana concluded that the facts are clear: Niger State is not selling tractors, Niger Foods has not laid off staff, and the State remains committed to expanding agricultural infrastructure to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote sustainable economic growth.
