The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has officially flagged off the sales of subsidised fertilisers and other agro-chemicals for the 2025 cropping season in Gwadabawa Local Council of the state.
Speaking at the event, Aliyu stated that the commodities were jointly procured by the state government and the 23 local councils with the aim of boosting agricultural activities across the state.
He revealed that a total of 105,800 bags of assorted fertilisers, including NPK 20:10:10 and Urea, were purchased at a cost of N5.3b and will be sold at a 40 per cent subsidised rate. Under the scheme, NPK 20:10:10 will be sold at N28,800 per bag, while Urea (Indorama) will be available at N29,800 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 N60m to further support farmers.
The state government also procured 340 cartons of herbicides (Force-Up, Bush Clear, and Glycot) at a cost of N16.6m and insecticides (Rip Clear, Farm Super, and Knapsack) worth N20.05m 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 N22.1b. This demonstrates our resolve to promote large-scale farming in Sokoto State,” the governor announced.
He also hinted on plans to provide tiller machines for small-scale farmers to further expand mechanised farming across the state.
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, warning against diversion of the commodities. He directed security agencies to monitor distribution and arrest anyone found guilty of diversion or hoarding.
Aliyu explained the rationale behind selling the inputs at subsidised rates instead of distributing them 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.”
