Kaduna, Nigeria, July 2025
In a bold move to boost agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods, the Kaduna State Government has announced the commencement of a large-scale fertiliser distribution programme targeting 100000 smallholder farmers across the state.
Governor Uba Sani unveiled the initiative during a recent press briefing, describing it as a critical step toward achieving food security and rural development. According to the state government, the fertiliser, provided completely free of charge, will be distributed using 400 truckloads, making Kaduna the only state in Nigeria currently providing fertiliser at no cost to smallholder farmers.
Targeted Distribution and Subsidy Structure
Under the plan, each smallholder farmer will receive two bags of fertiliser. The distribution will begin with 300 trucks and is expected to scale up to 400 as the programme expands. Commercial farmers are not left out; they will benefit from a 60 percent subsidy, purchasing fertiliser at ₦30000 per bag.
Governor Sani emphasized that the initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden on smallholder farmers, enhance productivity, and secure Kaduna’s place as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
Transparency and Oversight
To ensure transparency and accountability, the government has inaugurated a multi-stakeholder distribution committee comprising representatives from religious institutions, civil society, labour unions, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies. This committee will oversee the fertiliser allocation across the state’s 23 local government areas.
“This is not just about fertiliser; it’s about fairness and trust,” the governor noted. “We are determined to prevent diversion and ensure that this support reaches the farmers who need it most.”
Comprehensive Agricultural Support
The fertiliser distribution is part of a broader agricultural reform strategy by the Kaduna State Government. Other key components include:
Crop Insurance Scheme: All 100000 smallholder beneficiaries will be automatically enrolled in a crop risk insurance programme to protect against drought, pests, and other climate-related challenges.
Land and Irrigation Development: The state is clearing 20000 hectares of previously unused or insecure farmland and installing basic irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems to enable year-round cultivation.
Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ): In partnership with the federal government and international stakeholders, Kaduna has launched a processing hub aimed at boosting local agro-processing, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating new markets for farmers.
Agriculture as a Budgetary Priority
The 2025 state budget allocated over ₦100 billion to agriculture, representing more than 14 percent of the total budget. This surpasses the 10 percent benchmark set by the Maputo Declaration and underscores Kaduna’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and food security.
Outlook
The fertiliser distribution marks a significant milestone in Kaduna’s ongoing efforts to reposition agriculture as a driver of economic growth. By supporting smallholders who make up the backbone of the state’s farming population, the government hopes to unlock the sector’s full potential and improve livelihoods across rural communities.
Kaduna’s approach, combining free inputs, financial protection, and infrastructure development, is being closely watched as a model for other Nigerian states seeking to transform their agricultural sectors.