Sokoto Govt Distributes 157,800 Bags of Free Fertiliser Worth ₦7.7bn
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged-off the distribution of 157,800 bags of free fertiliser for the 2026 wet season, as part of the state government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and economic prosperity.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Wamakko Local Government Area, marked the commencement of free fertiliser distribution to genuine farmers across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Aliyu described Sokoto as an agrarian state where a large percentage of the population depends on farming and related activities for their livelihood.
He said agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy and a key pillar of his administration’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda.
According to him, the state government, in conjunction with the local authorities, procured the 157, 800 bags of NPK and urea fertilisers, equivalent to 263 truckloads, at a total cost of ₦7,706,800,000 for distribution to farmers.
He explained that each local government area had been allocated six truckloads of fertiliser, while the remaining 22 truckloads were reserved for vulnerable and less-privileged farmers to ensure wider coverage across the state.
Governor Aliyu recalled that upon assuming office, his administration introduced free fertiliser distribution to support farmers.
However, he said the programme was later abused by middlemen and other unscrupulous individuals who diverted the commodity for personal gain, denying genuine farmers the intended benefits.
He said that, to curb diversion and strengthen accountability, the government later introduced a subsidised sales arrangement and improved monitoring to ensure only genuine farmers benefit.
The governor further disclosed that the state government had procured 7,800 bags of improved seeds of millet, hybrid maize, sorghum, cowpea, beans, and FARO 44 rice, as well as herbicides and insecticides.
“All inputs will be distributed free of charge to farmers to boost productivity during the 2026 wet season,” he said.
He said the intervention is aimed at increasing crop yields, reducing production costs, strengthening food security, and improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.
On mechanisation, Governor Aliyu announced that the state had awarded a contract worth ₦22,125,938,207.05 for the procurement of 250 tractors and their implements.
He said 75 per cent of the contract sum had been paid to ensure prompt delivery, and about 90 per cent of the tractors had already been received.
He added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had approved an additional 100 tractors for Sokoto State through the Bank of Agriculture under a special financing arrangement to further boost mechanised farming.
Governor Aliyu urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fertiliser, improved seeds, herbicides, and insecticides to improve agricultural output and their livelihoods.
He directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found diverting agricultural inputs meant for genuine farmers, warning that his administration would not tolerate any act that undermines its agricultural transformation agenda.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to Nigeria’s agricultural sector through policies and interventions aimed at achieving food sufficiency and improving farmers’ welfare.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tukur Alkali, said the Aliyu administration had demonstrated consistent commitment to transforming agriculture through the provision of improved inputs, fertilisers, and agrochemicals.
He disclosed that the government had commenced the rehabilitation of long-abandoned irrigation schemes, while new irrigation projects in Wamakko, Bodinga, Silame, Tambuwal, Rabah, and Binji LGAs had been captured in the 2026 approved budget with adequate funding.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Agriculture had also strengthened collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), the World Bank, Action Against Hunger, and other development partners.
He added that the Bank of Agriculture had approved a 30 per cent subsidy on farming equipment and expressed readiness to partner with Sokoto State on agricultural financing.
Alkali also commended the governor’s investment in rural road infrastructure, saying it would improve market access and attract more investment into agriculture.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Governor and Senator, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sarkin Yamman Sokoto, for advocating increased federal investment in agriculture, and commended President Tinubu for supporting agricultural development nationwide.
The Chairman of the Committee on the Sale and Distribution of Fertiliser and Other Essential Commodities, Alhaji Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, assured farmers that transparent measures had been put in place to ensure the fertiliser reached genuine beneficiaries in all 23 LGAs.
He said the committee was working with relevant ministries, local government councils, security agencies, and farmers’ associations to ensure a smooth, transparent, and accountable distribution process.
The Chairman of Wamakko LGA, Alhaji Ahmad Umar, described the programme as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods, strengthening food security, and stimulating rural economic growth.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, the Baraden Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, praised Governor Aliyu for prioritising agriculture.
He urged beneficiaries to use the inputs properly and prayed for abundant rainfall, bumper harvests, and continued peace and prosperity in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
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