Aliyu Rolls Out Subsidised Fertiliser, Pushes Mechanised Farming in Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has rolled out heavily subsidised Urea and NPK fertiliser across the state as part of a broader strategy to boost food production, support farmers and fast-track agricultural mechanisation.

The governor flagged off the programme during a ceremony in Wurno Local Government Area, describing the initiative as a key intervention to cushion farmers against rising input costs and enhance productivity during the ongoing dry-season farming cycle. Under the scheme, the state government procured 52 trucks of Urea and 50 trucks of NPK fertiliser, which will be distributed to farmers across all 23 local government areas. Urea is being sold at ₦19,000 per bag, while NPK goes for ₦18,000 per bag, prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates. Governor Aliyu said the decision to sell the fertiliser at subsidised rates, rather than distribute it freely, was aimed at ensuring transparency, preventing diversion and guaranteeing that the products reach genuine farmers. This approach will eliminate the activities of middlemen and ensure that farmers have direct access to fertiliser at affordable prices,” the governor said. Beyond fertiliser support, Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to mechanising agriculture in the state. He disclosed that the government has awarded a contract for the procurement of 250 Massey Ferguson tractors, a move he said would reduce manual labour, improve efficiency and increase farm output. The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate key irrigation facilities, including major dams and irrigation schemes, to enable year-round farming and strengthen food security in Sokoto. Traditional rulers, local government officials and farmers’ representatives at the event commended the initiative, describing it as timely and crucial to improving livelihoods and boosting agricultural output in the state.