Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Tuesday launched the 2025 sales and distribution of fertiliser, seeds, pesticides, and agro-allied chemicals to farmers at subsidised rates across the state. The flag-off ceremony took place in Gwadabawa Local Government Area.
Governor Aliyu announced that the state government has invested ₦5.3 billion in procuring the essential farming inputs for the current wet season. With a 40% subsidy, farmers will now pay ₦28,800 for a bag of NPK fertiliser and ₦29,800 for a bag of Urea. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
“We are committed to supporting our farmers and boosting agricultural productivity in Sokoto State,” the governor said. “This initiative is a testament to our administration’s dedication to the welfare of our people, particularly those in the agricultural sector. We recognise agriculture as the backbone of our economy and will continue to support our farmers with the resources they need to thrive.”
He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to agricultural development, citing ongoing plans to rehabilitate all irrigation sites across the state. He revealed that the Kalmalo irrigation site has already been awarded for rehabilitation. “Rehabilitating irrigation sites will significantly increase crop yields and improve food security,” he stated.
In addition, the governor disclosed that a contract had been awarded for the procurement of 250 Massey Ferguson tractors to support mechanised farming. “This move will boost agricultural productivity and efficiency, and we are confident that our farmers will benefit immensely,” he added.
Governor Aliyu also directed the committee in charge of the sales and distribution to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme. He tasked security agencies with arresting and prosecuting anyone caught diverting the commodities. “We will not tolerate diversion or hoarding of these essential items,” he warned.
Chairman of the State Committee on Sales of Food Items and Other Essential Commodities, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, assured that a robust framework had been put in place to ensure smooth distribution across all 23 Local Government Areas.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tukur Alkali, described the subsidised fertiliser sales as a strong demonstration of the government’s resolve to empower farmers and promote food security. “This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to agricultural development and will make a real difference in the lives of our farmers,” he said.
In a related development, Governor Aliyu inspected the ongoing construction of a 100-unit housing estate for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Illela Local Government Area. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Expressing satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, the governor stated: “We are pleased with the progress so far and confident that the project will provide much-needed shelter for our displaced citizens. This is part of our broader commitment to the welfare of our people.”
