In a strategic move to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure food security, the Sokoto State Government has spent ₦5.3 billion on the procurement of 105,800 bags of assorted fertilisers for the 2025 cropping season. Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the intervention while launching the fertiliser sales programme in Gwadabawa Local Government Area.
The fertilisers comprising NPK 20:10:10 and Urea will be sold to farmers at a 40 percent subsidised rate. Specifically, NPK will be available at ₦28,800 per bag, while Indorama Urea will be sold at ₦29,800 per bag.
“We are committed to supporting genuine farmers to achieve food sufficiency in Sokoto. This intervention will ensure timely access to quality inputs at affordable rates,” Governor Aliyu said.
Comprehensive Agricultural Package
Beyond fertilisers, the government also invested in a broad range of agricultural inputs and equipment including:
12,800 bags of improved seeds comprising millet (Super Sosat), maize hybrid, cowpea, sorghum, and Faro 44 rice procured at a cost of ₦60 million
340 cartons of herbicides such as Force Up, Bush Clear, and Glycot, purchased for ₦16.6 million
Insecticides and sprayers worth ₦20.05 million to protect crops from pests and diseases
Mechanisation and Infrastructure Push
As part of a long-term strategy to drive large-scale farming, the state government awarded a ₦22.1 billion contract for the supply of 250 Massey Ferguson MF 375 tractors.
The administration is also prioritising irrigation development with the rehabilitation of the Lugu Dam and Kware irrigation facility underway. These projects aim to support year-round farming and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
Governor Aliyu further announced plans to distribute motorised tillers to smallholder farmers to expand access to mechanised farming tools.
Accountability and Transparency
In a departure from previous free distribution models, the state has adopted a subsidised sales approach to discourage diversion and ensure only genuine farmers benefit from the intervention.
“We have learned from the mistakes of the past. This administration will not tolerate hoarding or misuse of these critical inputs. Security agencies have been directed to monitor the distribution process closely,” the governor stated.
Targeting Sustainable Growth
This large-scale intervention is part of Sokoto State’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, create jobs, and reduce rural poverty.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his commitment to making agriculture a cornerstone of the state’s economy and called on all stakeholders including farmers, extension agents, traditional leaders, and security agencies to support the initiative.
