Monday, December 8, 2025
From MG Gazali
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has disclosed that his administration will deepen its collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFi) and other stakeholders to promote agricultural production, particularly onion farming. He made this statement at the foundation-laying ceremony of a modern onion cold storage facility in Sokoto, a project undertaken in collaboration with MOFi.
“We are committed to unlocking the potential of our state in agriculture, enhancing food security, and creating economic opportunities for our people. This partnership will enable us to achieve these goals and make Sokoto a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” Governor Aliyu stated.
The governor emphasized that agriculture is a key sector in Sokoto State’s economy, with a significant portion of the state’s population engaged in farming and related activities. “We have vast arable land and favorable climate conditions, making it an ideal place for agricultural production.
Our administration is determined to harness this potential and create a thriving agricultural sector that benefits our people,” he added.
Governor Aliyu highlighted the importance of the onion cold storage facility, noting that it will help reduce post-harvest losses and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
“The establishment of this cold storage facility is a testament to the strong partnership between the Sokoto State Government and MOFi. We are grateful for this collaboration and believe it will have a significant impact on our agricultural sector,” he said.
The governor expressed his optimism that the partnership will attract more investments and support to the state’s agricultural sector.
“We are confident that this partnership will not only improve our agricultural productivity but also attract more investments and support to the sector. This will enable us to achieve our goals and make Sokoto State a major hub for agricultural production in Nigeria,” Governor Aliyu stated.
Governor Aliyu also enumerated various agricultural interventions aimed at easing farmers’ burdens and boosting productivity.
He recalled the free distribution of fertilizers and agro-chemicals in 2023 and 2024 and announced the purchase of 38,000 bags of fertilizer worth N1.87 billion for subsidized sale in 2025.
The state also procured improved seeds, herbicides, and insecticides worth more than N96 million to support smallholder farmers.
Furthermore, the governor said the government has awarded a N22.1 billion contract for the procurement of 250 Massey Ferguson tractors, with half of the payment already made. Rehabilitation work on the Lugu Dam has commenced, and the Kware irrigation facility is slated for renovation, which will ensure year-round farming in the state.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a strong and fruitful partnership with MOFi, assuring that the people of Sokoto will feel the direct impact of the initiative.
He also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope agenda, which he said is helping to steer Nigeria toward economic stability and growth.
Dr. Femi Ogunseinde, Executive Director of Investment at the Ministry of Finance, in his remarks,emphasized that the partnership will focus on enhancing Sokoto State’s competitiveness in the global market. “We believe that Sokoto State has immense potential in agriculture, and we are committed to supporting the state government in unlocking this potential. We will work together to improve the state’s onion productivity, quality standards, and export infrastructure to meet international requirements,” he stated.
Dr. Ogunseinde noted that the onion cold storage facility will enable farmers to gain more from their hard work. “With this facility, farmers will be able to store their produce and sell at better prices, thereby increasing their income and improving their livelihoods. This is a key objective of our partnership with the Sokoto State Government – to ensure that farmers benefit maximally from their hard work,” he added.
The Commissioner for Commerce in Sokoto State, Dahiru Abbas, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to MOFi for partnering with the state to develop the agricultural sector. “We are delighted to welcome you all to this foundation-laying ceremony of the onion cold storage facility. This project is a testament to the commitment of the Sokoto State Government and MOFi to improving the livelihoods of our farmers and enhancing food security in our state,” he said.
Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu Isah, National President of the Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, commended the Sokoto State Government and MOFi for the initiative. “This cold storage facility will be a game-changer for our farmers. We have been struggling with post-harvest losses, and this facility will enable us to store our produce and sell at better prices. We are grateful for the government’s support and commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers,” he said.
