Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has officially flagged off the 2025 wet season farming campaign in Gombe State with the launch of subsidized fertilizer sales, in a move aimed at boosting food production and supporting the farming population.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Yahaya announced the procurement of 10,000 metric tonnes (equivalent to 200,000 bags) of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer to be sold at a subsidized rate of ₦27,000 per bag, down from the market price of ₦44,000.
“This marks a 150 percent increase in supply compared to the 2024 farming season,” the governor said, noting that the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that over 80 percent of Gombe residents are engaged in farming, and his administration has consistently subsidized agricultural inputs over the past six years to support rural livelihoods.
He assured farmers that the fertilizer distribution would be transparent and closely monitored to prevent diversion. “I have directed the Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and civil society organizations to ensure this fertilizer reaches the intended beneficiaries down to the unit level,” he stated.
The Governor highlighted various ongoing initiatives under his administration to reposition agriculture in the state, including partnerships with the Federal Government and development institutions like the World Bank and African Development Bank through projects such as NG-CARES, L-PRES, RAAMP, ACReSAL, and Sasakawa.
He also referenced the Agro-Livestock Development Zone project, the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, and a new seed-processing facility by Premier Seeds Nigeria Limited, all designed to make Gombe a hub for agro-based commerce in the North-East.
The governor further appealed for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, urging adherence to designated grazing areas. He cautioned traditional rulers against involvement in land disputes and warned that any found culpable in reports submitted by the Farmers/Herders Prevention and Dispute Settlement Committees would be held accountable.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Absalom Akwaras Lansibol, Acting State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the governor for his sustained commitment to the agricultural sector.
“The governor’s leadership continues to inspire hope. This distribution is a significant step toward enhancing productivity and ensuring food security,” Lansibol said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, expressed appreciation to the governor for his continued support to farmers despite prevailing economic challenges.
The 2025 farming season intervention is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across Gombe State and contribute to Nigeria’s broader agricultural and food security goals.
