By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — Governor Ahmed Aliyu has flagged off the free distribution of 157,800 bags of fertiliser worth ₦7.7 billion to farmers across Sokoto State as part of efforts to enhance food security, increase agricultural productivity and stimulate rural economic growth.

Speaking at the launch of the programme in Wamakko, the governor said the intervention was targeted at genuine farmers ahead of the 2026 wet farming season and forms part of his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Aliyu described Sokoto as a predominantly agrarian state where farming remains the main source of livelihood for a large segment of the population, stressing that sustained investment in agriculture is essential for economic development and poverty reduction.

He disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, procured 157,800 bags of NPK and urea fertiliser, equivalent to 263 truckloads, at a cost of ₦7.706 billion for free distribution across the state’s 23 local government areas.

According to him, each local government has been allocated six truckloads of fertiliser, while 22 additional truckloads have been reserved for vulnerable and less-privileged farmers to ensure equitable access to the farm inputs.

The governor recalled that his administration initially introduced free fertiliser distribution after assuming office but later suspended the programme following reports of diversion by middlemen.

He explained that the government subsequently adopted a subsidised distribution model while strengthening monitoring and accountability measures, adding that the return to free distribution was made possible by improved safeguards against diversion.

Aliyu also announced the procurement of 7,800 bags of improved seeds, including millet, hybrid maize, sorghum, cowpea, beans and FARO 44 rice varieties, as well as herbicides and insecticides, all of which will be distributed free of charge to farmers.

In a move to strengthen agricultural mechanisation, the governor disclosed that the state government had awarded a ₦22.1 billion contract for the procurement of 250 Massey Ferguson MF375 tractors and related implements.

He said 75 per cent of the contract sum had already been paid, while about 90 per cent of the tractors had been delivered.

Aliyu further revealed that the state had secured approval for an additional 100 Belarus tractors under a financing arrangement facilitated by the Bank of Agriculture, describing the development as a boost to mechanised farming in the state.

He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the fertilisers, improved seeds and agrochemicals, warning that anyone found diverting the farm inputs would be arrested and prosecuted.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting agricultural development through policies and programmes aimed at increasing food production and improving farmers’ welfare.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Tukur Alkali, said the state government had continued to prioritise agricultural development through investments in farm inputs, irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation and partnerships with agencies including the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, the National Biotechnology Development Agency, the World Bank and the Bank of Agriculture.

He added that the rehabilitation of dormant irrigation schemes and the development of new irrigation projects in several local government areas had been included in the 2026 budget to further improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.