Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has officially launched the 2025 wet season with a significant agricultural intervention aimed at bolstering food production across the state.
At a ceremony to flag off the sale and distribution of subsidised fertiliser, Governor Yahaya announced the procurement of 10,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to be sold to farmers at a reduced price, more than double the volume distributed during the 2024 wet season.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and reinforce the role of Gombe State in Nigeria’s food security agenda.
The Governor described the intervention as a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which places agriculture at the core of inclusive economic development.
He noted that over 80% of Gombe’s population are engaged in agriculture and that his administration has consistently subsidised inputs over the past six years to support rural livelihoods and ensure food availability.
“For the 2025 wet season, we have secured 10,000 metric tonnes ,that is, 200,000 bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser at the market rate of ₦44,000 per bag. However, we shall be selling it to our farmers at a subsidised rate of ₦27,000. This underscores our continued commitment to making agriculture more accessible, affordable, and productive,” Governor Yahaya said.
He emphasised the importance of timely access to inputs in increasing yields, stating that the early launch of fertiliser sales was a deliberate step to support farmers ahead of the critical planting period.
The Governor also highlighted a number of strategic agricultural initiatives implemented under his administration, including collaborations with the Federal Government, World Bank, and African Development Bank.
These partnerships span several key projects , including Sasakawa, NG-CARES, L-PRES, RAAMP, and ACReSAL, which have contributed to improved yields and stronger food systems across the state.
A major highlight of his administration’s broader agro-industrial vision is the ongoing Agro-Livestock Development Zone project, which includes an international grains and livestock market, a commercial abattoir, and an inland dry port.
He also cited the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, where Premier Seeds Nigeria Ltd has commenced seed processing operations, positioning Gombe as a regional hub for agro-based commerce in the North-East.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Governor Yahaya directed the State Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and civil society groups to monitor the distribution process and ensure the fertiliser reaches farmers at the grassroots.
“I have given clear instructions that all involved ; the Ministry of Agriculture, civil society, and security agencies, must work closely to ensure the fertiliser reaches genuine farmers and is not diverted. We will fully enforce monitoring at every level,” he affirmed.
He further urged farmers to make effective use of the inputs and heed weather forecasts to mitigate the risks of natural disasters.
Governor Yahaya also called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists, reiterating his administration’s support for the work of the Farmers/Herders Dispute Resolution Committees and security personnel in preventing conflict.
He issued a stern warning to traditional leaders against involvement in illegal encroachments on cattle routes and grazing reserves , a key trigger of disputes.
The Governor pledged that any individuals found culpable in such acts, as determined by the Dispute Resolution Committees, would face strict penalties.
In a goodwill message, the Acting State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Absalom Akwaras Lansibol, commended Governor Yahaya’s unwavering dedication to agricultural development.
“The Governor’s consistent efforts to transform agriculture in Gombe State are truly commendable. Today’s launch represents another step forward in ensuring food security and improving livelihoods. We urge all stakeholders to continue supporting this transformative agenda,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Governor Yahaya’s agricultural initiatives and called for sustained collaboration to achieve national food security goals.