Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has reaffirmed his commitment to agriculture as outlined in his 2023 campaign platform, the 9-Point Smart Agenda. Since assuming office, the governor has actively fulfilled this pledge, earning widespread praise for improving the agricultural sector.
Recognising the importance of year-round farming, the governor has launched several irrigation projects to boost agricultural productivity, farmer incomes, and food security. Key among these is the completed 450-hectare Kware Irrigation Scheme, which will be allocated to farmers to enhance dry-season farming and increase crop yields.
Furthermore, progress is underway on the Wurno Irrigation Scheme, which aims to expand irrigation water access for farmers. The rehabilitation of Lugu Dam, a contracted project, will restore water capacity and support further irrigation efforts.
In March 2025, the governor launched a massive distribution of agricultural equipment to 91 rural communities.
Over 1,000 water pumps went to youth and women groups, 23 multipurpose threshers, 3,000 tomato grinding machines, and 58 rice threshers. Plans for procuring new tractors signal a broader shift toward mechanised farming to boost efficiency and yields.
Aliyu is also thinking green. Under a partnership with the Federal Government’s Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN), solar-powered irrigation systems will be deployed along the Sokoto Rima River, integrating renewable energy into food production systems.
A flagship of his agricultural revolution is the 5,000-acre commercial farm now producing export-grade onions, millet, and garlic.
Already, exports of onions to Ghana and the Benin Republic are booming, contributing to a rise in the state’s internally generated revenue.
The administration works closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank to scale impact.
Sokoto recently released ₦1 billion as counterpart funding for the World Bank-backed Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, reinforcing Aliyu’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture.
One of the most ambitious projects is planting 7,000 hectares of Moringa oleifera, a “superfood” tree known for its nutritional, economic, and anti-desertification value.
This agroforestry initiative is designed to combat desert encroachment, boost exports, and raise farmers’ incomes.
The push for sustainable exports continues with a shift to organic fertilisers and pesticides to meet international standards. A planned export terminal and logistics hub in Sokoto will cut post-harvest losses and improve access to foreign markets for crops and even Sokoto beef.
Aliyu’s administration isn’t neglecting livestock either. The state has launched a Milk and Beef Enhancement Programme to strengthen food security and support local farmers.
A new Livestock Service Centre in Wamakko will provide veterinary care, breeding support, and farmer training. Investments in the leather value chain, including modern hide and skin processing techniques, are underway to boost product quality and attract industrial investors.
Women and marginalised groups are also central to the governor’s strategy.
In 2024, more than 40 women farmers received solar-powered pumps, grain stocks, and ₦500,000 grants. Small-scale dairy processors were equipped with cooling tanks and trained in value-added production.
The state has approved ₦14 billion under the NG-CARES programme to support vulnerable communities in providing agricultural machinery to over 3,000 youths and women. Fertiliser has also been distributed free of charge to thousands of farmers, reinforcing the administration’s pro-poor focus.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s multi-pronged agricultural policy, combining infrastructure, innovation, climate resilience, and inclusivity, rapidly transforms Sokoto into a leading agro-industrial hub. His model offers a compelling case for how political will, clear vision, and coordinated execution can reshape Nigeria’s agricultural future.
Source: NewsDaily
Image Credit: Instagram
