Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday launched the sale of fertilisers at a 50 percent subsidised rate and commenced the distribution of free agricultural inputs to vulnerable farmers, as part of efforts to boost food production ahead of the 2025 wet farming season.
The flag-off ceremony was held at the Fertiliser Blending Company, Farm Centre in Maiduguri. Zulum disclosed that 75 trucks of fertiliser would be distributed to small holder farmers, returnees in resettled communities, youth, women, and other vulnerable groups across the state’s 27 local government areas.
“I have approved the sale of fertilisers at a subsidised rate of 50 percent — a strategic decision to make them affordable, accessible, and impactful,” the governor said. “This move is consistent with our broader agricultural policy under Pillar Two of the 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.”
The fertilisers include both wet and dry blends. According to the governor, the wet blend a liquid formulation will be sent to areas facing security threats, as it is less prone to misuse, while the dry blend granular and easier to store — will be distributed to more secure areas.
“This distribution strategy is based not just on agronomic needs, but also security considerations. It ensures fertilisers do not end up in the wrong hands or used for criminal purposes,” he explained.
Governor Zulum emphasised the vital role of fertiliser access in restoring rural livelihoods, boosting crop yields, reducing food prices, and strengthening food security.
“Agriculture remains a pillar of peace and progress. Food security is national security. Our administration is committed to empowering farmers, rebuilding our local economy, and protecting communities through agriculture,” he said.
However, the governor warned against diversion and illegal resale of the subsidised fertilisers, citing security implications.
“We are acutely aware that certain fertiliser components can be exploited for illegitimate or criminal purposes. Every bag will be tracked by batch, source, and destination. Proxy purchases are prohibited, and only verified recipients will be eligible,” Zulum cautioned.
He directed that all fertiliser movement must be cleared through official channels, while agro-dealers must be registered, vetted, and closely monitored. “Any individual or group caught diverting, hoarding, or illegally reselling fertilisers will face the full wrath of the law,” he declared.
The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and development partners for their continued support to Borno State’s agricultural programmes.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineer Bawu Musami, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to food self-sufficiency. He revealed that over 12,000 farmers in Baga and Monguno had received seeds, agrochemicals, and farming support, resulting in cowpea harvests worth more than ₦3.1 billion despite early rainfall challenges.
Musami called for the revival of the state’s fertiliser plant and the establishment of an Agricultural Development Trust Fund to further strengthen the sector’s growth.