As part of efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, increase storage capacity and boost the earnings of thousands of onion farmers, the Sokoto State Government has begun work on a modern cold storage complex within the state capital.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the project as a major step toward strengthening the agricultural economy and opening new opportunities for rural producers.
The facility is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. State officials say the initiative will curb waste, stabilise prices and improve the quality of onions supplied to markets throughout the year. They believe it will transform the entire value chain and support commercial expansion.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Aliyu said the partnership is expected to expand production, processing and distribution of onions and other crops in which the state has high potential. He recalled that onion farming has been a traditional occupation in Sokoto and noted that modern infrastructure is essential if the state is to remain the leading producer in the country and compete more effectively beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Aliyu explained that agricultural growth remains central to his administration’s agenda. He highlighted investments made over the past two years, including the free supply of fertiliser and agrochemicals to farmers. According to him, the government bought more than 38, 000 bags of fertiliser this year valued at over one point eight billion naira which are being sold at subsidised rates to encourage wider access.
He added that improved seeds for millet, maize, sorghum, rice and beans worth sixty million naira were purchased along with herbicides and insecticides exceeding 36 million naira. These interventions, he said, are designed to strengthen yields and improve food availability across the state.
The governor also pointed to major commitments in agricultural mechanisation. He said the state awarded a contract for the supply of two hundred and fifty Massey Ferguson tractors at a cost of 22.1 billion naira and has already fulfilled half of the payment to ensure fast delivery.
On irrigation, Aliyu announced that rehabilitation work is progressing at several locations including the Lugu Dam and the Kware irrigation scheme. The aim is to make all year farming possible for communities that rely on irrigated fields.
He noted that the cold storage project fits into Sokoto’s broader vision for wealth creation and export-oriented agriculture. According to him, the goal is to support farmers with finance, technology and training while creating more jobs for young people and women.
Aliyu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for national reforms which he said are helping states pursue ambitious development programmes more effectively.
The cold storage project is expected to serve as a stabilising force for the onion market by preserving produce for longer periods and improving the income of farmers, traders and processors.
Last month, the governor presented the framework for the state’s 2026 budget and pledged a fiscal plan that reflects the priorities of residents in all 23 local government areas.
