Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) to attract investors for the establishment of an onion processing factory in the state.

The governor made this appeal during a visit from NOPPMAN members, led by Regional President Alhaji Mustapha Kadiri, and the Executive Director of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.

The visit was held in anticipation of the association’s upcoming international conference in Sokoto.

Governor Aliyu noted his administration’s commitment to supporting investments that will boost the local economy, particularly in agriculture, where Sokoto is a prominent producer of onions.

He noted the distribution of fertilisers and farming inputs to farmers at no cost, a first for the state, and mentioned the initiation of irrigation farming in several local government areas to enhance agricultural productivity.

“We have distributed fertilisers and farming inputs to our farmers free of charge, a first in the history of Sokoto State. We have also initiated irrigation farming in several local government areas to further boost agricultural activities,” he said.

Aliyu urged the NEPC and NOPPMAN to leverage their networks to attract investors to Sokoto for onion and garlic processing initiatives.

In response, NOPPMAN National President Dr. Maitasamu Isa Aliyu stressed the need for an onion processing factory in the state, stating that local processing would improve the livelihoods of Sokoto’s youth.

He also praised the governor for supporting NOPPMAN’s international conference and recognized the association’s role in promoting agricultural trade in Nigeria.