Sokoto Government Launches N5.3 Billion Fertiliser Push to Secure 2025 Harvest

In a decisive move to fortify food production and empower farmers, the Sokoto State Government has allocated over N5.3 billion for the joint procurement of more than 105,000 bags of fertilisers ahead of the 2025 farming season.

According to IReporter Online, the announcement was made by Governor Ahmed Aliyu during the official flag-off ceremony for subsidised fertiliser and agrochemical sales in Gwadabawa Local Government Area on Wednesday. The initiative, executed in collaboration with all 23 local government councils in the state, includes the purchase of both NPK 20:10:10 and Urea fertilisers, offered to farmers at a 40% discounted rate.

The governor disclosed that a bag of NPK would be sold for ₦28,800, while Urea (Indorama) would be available at ₦29,800. The intervention also includes 12,800 bags of improved seeds—such as Millet Super Sosat, Maize Hybrid, Cowpea, Sorghum, and Rice Faro 44—procured for ₦60 million, as well as herbicides and insecticides worth ₦36.65 million.

Governor Aliyu emphasized that the scheme is part of a broader agricultural transformation plan aimed at transitioning the state from subsistence to mechanised farming. As part of the effort, a ₦22.1 billion contract has been awarded for the supply of 250 Massey Ferguson MF-375 tractors. Additional plans are underway to acquire tiller machines to support smallholder farmers.

He also revealed ongoing contracts for the rehabilitation of Lugu Dam and Kware irrigation facilities to ensure year-round cultivation. Farmers were cautioned against hoarding or misusing the subsidised inputs, with the governor directing security agencies to closely monitor the distribution process.

Governor Aliyu explained that the current subsidised sales model was adopted after previous free distribution schemes were plagued by abuse, often failing to reach genuine farmers. He noted that this new model ensures that only active agricultural workers benefit from the state’s interventions.

The high-profile launch was attended by former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Fertiliser Sales Committee, Chiso Dattijo; Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammad Alkali; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Adare; and a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Jabir Kilgori. Other dignitaries included APC state leader Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Speaker of the House of Assembly Tukur Bodinga, APC State Chairman Isa Achida, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other senior government officials.