Sokoto State government has approved the purchase of assorted fertilisers, improved seeds and agrochemicals worth about N1.6 billion to complement the fertilisers and other agricultural inputs earlier procured by local councils in the state.

This was disclosed at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Council Chamber, Government House, Sokoto.

The decision to procure the assorted fertilisers, improved seeds and agrochemicals is aimed at ensuring that farmers receive these inputs at the beginning of the rainy season, enabling them to derive maximum benefit from them during the cropping season.

The council also approved the purchase of 1,200 units of Daylong motorcycles at the cost of N1.609 billion. The motorcycles will be provided to civil servants under a loan scheme.

This is in fulfillment of the pledge made by Governor Ahmed Aliyu during this year’s May Day celebration in Sokoto.

Similarly, the council approved the upgrading of Gagi Primary Health Centre to a General Hospital at the cost of N592 million.

It also approved the construction of a Primary Healthcare Centre in Majemar Korino, Tudun Wada area of Sokoto South Local Council, at the cost of N143 million as well as the construction of an administrative block at the Primary Healthcare Centre on Kontagora Road at the cost of N192 million.

Also approved were the construction of emergency concrete works and the reinstatement of collapsed culverts and drainage canals behind the Rima Radio/Tudun Wada road network at the cost of N246.9 million.

In addition, the council approved the installation and maintenance of the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, at the cost of N113.4 million.