Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Friday inaugurated the distribution of 157,800 bags of free assorted fertiliser worth N7.7 billion to farmers in the state for the 2026 wet farming season.

Speaking at the ceremony in the Wamakko Local Government Area of the state, Mr Aliyu said the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and economic prosperity.

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 though his administration started free fertiliser distribution when it assumed office, the programme was suspended due to diversion by middlemen.

“This prompted the government to adopt subsidised sales before restoring free distribution following improved monitoring measures,” the governor said.

He also disclosed that the government had procured 7,800 bags of improved seeds, including millet, hybrid maize, sorghum, cowpea, beans, and FARO 44 rice.

He noted that herbicides and insecticides were also purchased and would be distributed free to farmers.

According to him, the intervention is expected to increase crop yields, reduce production costs, enhance food security, and boost farmers’ income across the state.

On agricultural mechanisation, the governor said the state awarded a N22.1 billion contract for 250 Massey Ferguson MF375 tractors and implements, with about 90 per cent already delivered.

Mr Aliyu added that the Federal Government had approved 100 Belarus tractors for Sokoto State under a financing arrangement with the Bank of Agriculture to strengthen mechanised farming.

He urged beneficiaries to use the inputs judiciously and directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found diverting them.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate sabotage of its agricultural programmes.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Tukur Alkali, said the government continued to invest in agriculture through improved inputs, rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, and partnerships with development partners.

Mr Alkali added that new irrigation projects in Wamakko, Bodinga, Silame, Tambuwal, Rabah, and Binji LGAs had been captured in the 2026 budget.

He also said the Bank of Agriculture had approved a 30 per cent subsidy on farming equipment for farmers in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee on Fertiliser and Essential Commodities Distribution, Chiso Dattijo, assured farmers of a transparent and fair distribution process.

 (NAN)