Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has announced a petrol subsidy for farmers in communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The governor made this announcement during the distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers in Bama town, who were previously displaced by the insurgents.
According to Zulum, the state government will procure petroleum products and sell them to farmers at a subsidised rate of N600 per litre, significantly lower than the current market price of N1,000 to N1,200 in Maiduguri.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers in communities that have suffered economic and infrastructural destruction due to years of conflict.
“One of the major challenges that are facing the farming communities here as regards irrigation farming is the increasing cost of fuel. As a result, I want to announce to the general public that the government will procure petroleum products and sell to the farmers at a subsidised rate,” Zulum said.
The governor also distributed farm inputs, including fertilisers, water pumps, and gasoline pumps, to support the farmers.
His administration has constructed over 100 tube wells for irrigation farmers and approved the construction of an additional 250.
Zulum expressed gratitude to the federal government for their support in the reconstruction and resettlement of communities affected by the insurgency.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the successful resettlement of displaced persons and preventing any sabotage of the resettlement drive.