Governor Ahmed Aliyu has officially flagged off the sales of subsidised fertiliser and other agro-chemicals for the 2025 cropping season in Gwadabawa local government area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aliyu stated that the commodities were jointly procured by the state government and the 23 local government areas with the aim of boosting agricultural activities across Sokoto State.
He revealed that a total of 105,800 bags of assorted fertilizer, including NPK 20:10:10 and Urea, were purchased at a cost of ₦5.3 billion and will be sold at a 40% subsidised rate. Under the scheme, NPK 20:10:10 will be sold at ₦28,800 per bag, while Urea (Indorama) will be available at ₦29,800 per bag.
In addition, the governor disclosed that 12,800 bags of improved seeds, including Millet Super Sosat, Maize Hybrid, Cowpea, Sorghum, and Rice Faro 44, were purchased at a total cost of ₦60 million to further support farmers.
The state government also procured 340 cartons of herbicides (Force-Up, Bush Clear, and Glycot) at a cost of ₦16.6 million and insecticides (Rip Clear, Farm Super, and Knapsack) worth ₦20.05 million for distribution to farmers.
“In our commitment to achieving food security, we have awarded a contract for the procurement of 250 units of MF-375 Massey Ferguson tractors, valued at ₦22.1 billion. This demonstrates our resolve to promote large-scale farming in Sokoto State,” the governor announced.
He also hinted at plans to provide tiller machines for small-scale farmers to further expand mechanized farming across the state.
Governor Aliyu emphasised his administration’s efforts to revive irrigation infrastructure, noting that contracts have been awarded for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Lugu Dam and the Kware irrigation facility to ensure year-round agricultural production.
He urged farmers to make judicious use of the subsidised inputs and warned against diversion of the commodities. He directed security agencies to monitor distribution and arrest anyone found guilty of diversion or hoarding.
Governor Aliyu explained the rationale behind selling the inputs at subsidized rates instead of distributing them for free: “In the past, free distribution was grossly abused by unpatriotic individuals who denied genuine farmers access. This prompted our decision to introduce a subsidised system, ensuring that only real farmers benefit.”
Other dignitaries who spoke at the occasion included the former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Committee for the Sale of Subsidised Commodities, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo; Chairman of Kware LGA, Ibrahim Sakamaru; Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammad Tukur Alkali; and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Dadi Adare.The Sultan of Sokoto was represented by Dr. Jabir kilgori.
The occasion was witnessed by the APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga; State APC Chairman, Isa Saddiq Achida; Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa; Chief of Staff, Government House Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko mni; members representing Kware/Wamakko, Dange Shuni, Tureta, Bodinga, and Gudu Tangaza federal constituencies; Ahmed Abdullahi Kalambaina, Nasiru Shehu, and Sani Yakubu, members of the State Assembly; commissioners; special advisers; senior special assistants; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; and politicians, among others.
