Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially kicked off the 2025 wet farming season with a bold move aimed at helping farmers: a 150% increase in fertiliser supply compared to last year.
Speaking at the launch of subsidised fertiliser sales in the state, Governor Yahaya announced that 10,000 metric tonnes (or 200,000 bags) of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser have been procured.
Though purchased at N44,000 per bag, the state will sell it to farmers for N27,000 in a major effort to make agriculture more affordable.
“This gesture underscores our commitment to making agriculture affordable, accessible, and productive,” the governor said.
He emphasised that access to timely and affordable inputs is key to increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in Gombe and beyond.
The move is part of his government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s farming sector, which employs over 80% of the population.
Governor Yahaya noted that over the past six years, his administration has consistently subsidised farmers’ inputs as part of broader reforms to improve yields and build food resilience.
He also connected the intervention to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises agriculture as a critical economic development and rural transformation engine.
To prevent misuse, the governor has ordered the Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and civil society groups to closely monitor the fertiliser distribution and ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries at every level.
“I have directed the Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and civil society organisations to closely monitor the sales and distribution to the farmers so as to prevent against diversion and ensure that the fertiliser reaches the correct beneficiaries,” he said.
The governor also used the opportunity to speak on peaceful farming.
He urged farmers and herders to respect one another’s land and rights and warned traditional rulers against any role in the encroachment of grazing routes.
Those found guilty, he said, would face strict consequences based on the recommendations of Farmers/Herders Prevention and Settlement of Disputes Committees.
Governor Yahaya outlined several key agricultural projects already underway in the state. These include:
In a goodwill message, Mr. Absalom Akwaras Lansibol, Acting State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, praised the governor for his forward-thinking agricultural policies.
“The governor’s steadfast commitment to agricultural transformation in Gombe is inspiring. Today marks another milestone in our effort to secure livelihoods and ensure food security,” he said.
Dr. Barnabas M. Malle, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, thanked the governor for supporting farmers despite economic challenges.
He said that this year’s fertiliser procurement and subsidy were made possible by the governor’s resolve to prioritise agriculture.
As the rainy season begins, expectations are high across Gombe’s farming communities.
With more available and affordable inputs, many farmers are hopeful that the 2025 season will bring stronger harvests and better incomes.
