Maiduguri: Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has launched the sale of fertiliser and free distribution of farm inputs to vulnerable farmers across the state. The exercise took place on Saturday at the Fertiliser Blending Company, Farm Centre, Maiduguri.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Zulum stated that 75 trucks of fertiliser would be sold at a 50 per cent subsidy for the 2025 wet farming season and Firgi cultivation. The subsidised fertilisers aim to benefit smallholder farmers, returnees, youths, women, and vulnerable groups in the state’s 27 local government areas. Zulum emphasized that the sale of fertilisers at half price ensures they are affordable and accessible, supporting meaningful agricultural impact.
The initiative aligns with Pillar Two of Borno’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Framework. Zulum explained that the fertiliser distribution includes two types – Wet Blend and Dry Blend. Wet Blend, being liquid-based, will be allocated to areas with high security risks to prevent misuse, while Dry Blend, a granular type, will be supplied to more secure and stable regions. This distribution strategy also serves as a security measure against diversion for unauthorised purposes.
Agriculture is seen as vital to livelihoods, food production, and reducing the state’s reliance on food imports. Zulum reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and rebuilding the economy through agriculture. He issued a strong warning against the diversion or illegal sale of subsidised fertilisers, highlighting that some fertiliser elements can be misused for criminal purposes. All supplies will be tracked by batch, source, and destination, with proxy purchases banned and every recipient verified to ensure transparency in communities.
Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Agriculture Ministry, and development partners for their support in agricultural recovery. Earlier, Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Bawu Musami, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to grow its own food and empower citizens through agriculture. Musami noted that over 12,000 farmers in Baga and Monguno, supported with cowpea seeds and inputs, produced crops worth over ?3.1 billion. He called for the reactivation of the Fertiliser Plant and the creation of an Agricultural Development Trust Fund to sustain sectoral progress.
