In a bold move to strengthen food security and support farmers across the state, the Sokoto State Government has spent N5.3 billion on the joint procurement of 105,800 bags of assorted fertilisers for the 2025 cropping season.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the announcement on Wednesday at the official flag-off of subsidised fertiliser and agro-chemical sales held in Gwadabawa Local Government Area.
The procurement was carried out in partnership with the 23 local government councils and includes NPK 20:10:10 and Urea fertilisers, which will be sold to farmers at a 40% subsidised rate NPK at N28,800 per bag and Urea (Indorama) at N29,800.
Governor Aliyu also revealed that the government had procured 12,800 bags of improved seeds including Millet Super Sosat, Maize Hybrid, Cowpea, Sorghum, and Rice Faro 44, at a cost of N60 million, alongside herbicides and insecticides valued at N36.65 million.
He emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure timely access to quality inputs, improve productivity, and drive the transition toward mechanised farming in the state.
As part of broader interventions, the governor disclosed that a contract worth N22.1 billion has been awarded for the supply of 250 units of Massey Ferguson MF-375 tractors, while plans are underway to procure tiller machines to support smallholder farmers.
To boost year-round cultivation, Governor Aliyu also announced the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of Lugu Dam and Kware irrigation facilities.
While addressing farmers, he warned against the diversion of subsidised inputs and directed security agencies to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement.
He explained that the state had adopted a subsidised sales model instead of free distribution to avoid past abuses and guarantee that support reaches genuine farmers.
“This model guarantees that support reaches those working on the farms,” the governor stated.
Present at the event were former deputy governor and Chairman of the Fertiliser Sales Committee, Chiso Dattijo; Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammad Alkali; and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Adare. The Sultan of Sokoto was represented by Dr Jabir Kilgori.
Also in attendance were prominent political and traditional figures including Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Speaker of the House of Assembly Tukur Bodinga, APC State Chairman Isa Achida, lawmakers, and other top government officials.
