Governor Aliyu Rolls Out ₦3bn Fertilizer Subsidy, Tractors for Sokoto Farmers

News in Brief

-Sokoto Governor flagged off sales of 102 trucks of subsidised fertiliser, allocating to 23 LGAs to aid dry season farmers and curb middlemen.

-The ₦3 billion initiative pairs with 250 tractor contracts (₦22bn) and irrigation revamps at Lugu Dam and Kware, as stakeholders praise efforts for food security.

Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmad Aliyu, has launched the sale of highly subsidised fertilisers for dry season farming, procuring 102 trucks worth ₦3 billion to reach genuine farmers across the state's 23 local government areas. 

The initiative, flagged off in Wurno LGA, aims to boost food production amid rising input costs, ensuring transparency after middlemen allegedly undermined past distributions.

Speaking at the event, the governor detailed how each LGA will receive two trucks of Urea and one of NPK, sold strictly to verified farmers.

"Urea fertiliser has been subsidised by 62 per cent, while NPK has been subsidised by 60 per cent, to make the products affordable and accessible to farmers across the state," he stated. At ₦19,000 per bag for Urea and ₦18,000 for NPK, these rates slash market prices, making these vital inputs reachable for smallholder farmers battling inflation and supply chain woes.

Tackling Middlemen for Direct Farmer Access

Governor Aliyu explained that lessons from earlier efforts of free input distribution led to the new approach of subsidy.

“When we came on board, we distributed fertiliser free of charge to farmers on three different occasions. However, we later discovered that the intended beneficiaries were not fully enjoying the subsidy due to the activities of middlemen,” he explained. 

“This informed our decision to now sell the fertiliser at highly subsidised rates to ensure transparency and direct access by genuine farmers.”

This shift builds on Sokoto's agricultural legacy, where irrigation farming sustains year-round output in the Sahel region. 

The governor also warned against hoarding while urging security agencies to arrest diverters, emphasising accountability to protect grassroots producers. ​

Mechanisation and Irrigation Revival on Horizon

Beyond inputs, the administration eyes full mechanisation for agriculture in the state. Governor Aliyu revealed that his administration has signed a contract for the procurement of 250 units of MF-375 Massey Ferguson tractors, costing over ₦22 billion, set to transform ploughing and harvesting for thousands. 

"We are also working assiduously to revive irrigation facilities across the state to sustain agricultural production throughout the year. Contracts have already been awarded for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Lugu Dam, and I assure you that the Kware Irrigation Facility will also be renovated to support year-round farming activities," he revealed.

These moves aim to harness Sokoto's dry season potential, where rivers like the Rima enable wheat, rice, and vegetables. Key players in Nigeria's agricultural sector will note how such investments align with federal efforts such as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, amplifying output amid food security talks.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Tukur Alkali, represented by Permanent Secretary Almustafa Alkali, had earlier hailed the governor's support for agricultural development in the state. Underscoring the government’s holistic approach, he noted that additional inputs beyond fertiliser had been provided to boost production.

Stakeholder Praise and Past Successes

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, praised the people-oriented projects.

Committee Chairman on Subsidised Food Sales, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, reported triumphs. He revealed that 280 trucks of rice and 115 trucks of fertiliser have been sold. In addition, the Shagon Sauki welfare initiative is now expanding to Tambuwal, Gwadabawa, Wurno, and Illela LGAs.

Wurno LGA Chairman Abbas Isah Saddiq thanked the governor for hosting the flag-off, spotlighting local gains. The press release from Director-General Abubakar Bawa caps a day blending policy, praise, and promise for Sokoto's farmers.

Governor Aliyu appealed directly to the farmers to 'make judicious use of the fertiliser to enhance food production.'