Sokoto Spends N5.3bn on Fertiliser, Seeds to Boost Food Security and Support Farmers

In a bid to enhance food security and empower farmers, the Sokoto State Government has invested N5.3 billion in the joint purchase of 105,800 bags of assorted fertilisers for the 2025 farming season.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the disclosure on Wednesday during the official launch of subsidised fertiliser and agro-chemical sales held in Gwadabawa Local Government Area. The event drew key stakeholders from across the state’s agricultural sector.

According to the governor, the procurement—carried out in collaboration with all 23 local government councils—includes NPK 20:10:10 and Urea fertilisers, which will be sold to farmers at a 40% subsidised rate. Under the initiative, NPK will be available at N28,800 per bag, while Urea (Indorama) will cost N29,800 per bag.

Beyond fertilisers, the state also acquired 12,800 bags of improved seeds such as Millet Super Sosat, Maize Hybrid, Cowpea, Sorghum, and Rice Faro 44 at a cost of N60 million. Additionally, herbicides and insecticides worth N36.65 million were purchased to support crop protection.

Governor Aliyu stated that the initiative aims to ensure farmers have timely access to quality inputs and to encourage a shift toward mechanised agriculture. He also revealed that the state awarded a N22.1 billion contract for the supply of 250 Massey Ferguson MF-375 tractors and plans to purchase tiller machines for smallholder farmers.

Furthermore, contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of the Lugu Dam and Kware irrigation facilities to promote year-round farming.

He urged farmers to use the subsidised inputs wisely and warned against misuse or diversion. Security agencies have been instructed to monitor distribution closely. The governor justified the subsidised sales approach, noting that past free distribution schemes were often abused and failed to benefit genuine farmers.

“This model ensures that support goes directly to those working the land,” he said.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Fertiliser Sales Committee, Chiso Dattijo; Agriculture Commissioner Muhammad Alkali; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Adare; and a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Jabir Kilgori. Also in attendance were APC leader Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Speaker of the House Tukur Bodinga, APC State Chairman Isa Achida, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other high-ranking officials.