The Sokoto State Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) is transforming the agriculture sector by launching a modern onion cold storage facility in More Area, Sokoto—an investment Governor Ahmed Aliyu says will help farmers reduce losses, improve quality, and earn more from their produce.
Speaking at the event on Monday, Governor Aliyu described the visit by the MOFI team as the beginning of “a partnership filled with promise,” especially for thousands of farmers whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.
According to him, Sokoto’s long-standing reputation as Nigeria’s leading onion producer is a source of pride, but noted that the full potential of the onion value chain can only be unlocked through modern technology, stronger investment, and closer collaboration with strategic partners.
The governor explained that the partnership with MOFI goes beyond onions. It aims to reshape the entire agricultural landscape of the state—supporting farmers with better access to finance, training, processing facilities, and opportunities across various value chains such as grains, livestock, irrigation and agro-processing. “Our goal is simple,” he said. “To empower our farmers, create jobs for youth and women, and make Sokoto a centre for export-driven agriculture.”
Governor Aliyu noted that Sokoto has enormous potential for investors, not just in onions but also in garlic, rice and other perishable crops. He said the cold storage project is only the beginning of what he hopes will be a long-term and productive partnership.
Reflecting on the two years of his administration, the governor highlighted various agricultural interventions aimed at easing farmers’ burdens and boosting productivity. He recalled the free distribution of fertilizers and agro-chemicals in 2023 and 2024, and announced the purchase of 38,000 bags of fertilizer worth N1.87 billion for subsidised sale in 2025. The state also bought improved seeds, herbicides and insecticides worth more than N96 million to support smallholder farmers.
To further strengthen food production, Governor Aliyu said the government has awarded a N22.1 billion contract for the procurement of 250 Massey Ferguson tractors, with half of the payment already made. Rehabilitation work on the famous Lugu Dam has begun, while the Kware irrigation facility is also billed for renovation—efforts he described as crucial to ensuring year-round farming in the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a strong and fruitful partnership with MOFI, assuring that the people of Sokoto will feel the direct impact of the initiative. The governor also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope agenda, which he said is helping to steer Nigeria toward economic stability and growth.
