The Sokoto State Government has commenced the distribution of 157,800 bags of assorted fertilisers valued at N7.7 billion to farmers across the state as part of preparations for the 2026 wet farming season.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu officially flagged off the exercise on Friday in Wamakko Local Government Area, describing the intervention as a major step in his administration’s drive to promote agricultural development, strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of residents.
Addressing the gathering, the governor said: “The state government, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, procured 157,800 bags of NPK and urea fertilisers, equivalent to 263 truckloads worth N7.7 billion.
“Each of the 23 LGAs will receive six truckloads, while the remaining 22 truckloads will be distributed to vulnerable and less-privileged farmers to ensure wider coverage.”
Mr Aliyu recalled that his administration introduced free fertiliser distribution upon assuming office but later suspended the initiative following reports of diversion by middlemen.
“This prompted the government to adopt subsidised sales before restoring free distribution following improved monitoring measures”, the governor said.
He further disclosed that the state had procured 7,800 bags of improved seed varieties, including millet, hybrid maize, sorghum, cowpea, beans and FARO 44 rice, to support farmers during the planting season.
According to the governor, the government has also acquired herbicides and insecticides, which will be distributed to farmers free of charge.
He said the intervention is expected to improve crop productivity, lower production costs, strengthen food security and increase farmers’ earnings across the state.
On efforts to expand mechanised farming, Mr Aliyu revealed that the state government awarded a N22.1 billion contract for the supply of 250 Massey Ferguson MF375 tractors and related implements, noting that about 90 per cent of the equipment had already been delivered.
He also announced that the Federal Government had approved the allocation of 100 Belarus tractors to Sokoto State under a financing arrangement with the Bank of Agriculture to further support mechanised agriculture.
The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the farm inputs and directed security agencies to apprehend and prosecute anyone found diverting the items for personal gain.
He warned that his administration would take a firm stance against any attempt to undermine its agricultural programmes.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Tukur Alkali, said the state government has continued to prioritise investments in the agricultural sector through the provision of improved farm inputs, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and collaboration with development partners.
Mr Alkali added that new irrigation projects covering Wamakko, Bodinga, Silame, Tambuwal, Rabah and Binji local government areas had been included in the state’s 2026 budget.
He further disclosed that the Bank of Agriculture had approved a 30 per cent subsidy on farming equipment for farmers in Sokoto State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee on Fertiliser and Essential Commodities Distribution, Chiso Dattijo, assured farmers that the fertiliser distribution would be conducted in a transparent and equitable manner.
