|
Listen now
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Abdulfatai Abdulsalami Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, on Monday flagged off the construction of a modern onion cold-storage facility in the More area of the metropolis, describing it as a “game-changing investment” that will reshape the state’s agricultural landscape.
The project, executed in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, expand storage capacity and boost the earnings of thousands of onion farmers across the state.
“This partnership holds tremendous promise for our people,” the governor said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“With MOFI’s expertise and resources, we are opening a new chapter that will strengthen production, processing and distribution—not only of onions but other crops where Sokoto has huge potential.”
Governor Aliyu noted that while onion farming has been one of Sokoto’s strongest agricultural pillars for decades, the sector requires modernization to unlock its full commercial value.
“For generations, our farmers have cultivated onions with dedication,” he said. “Sokoto is Nigeria’s leading producer, but we must modernize and attract the level of investment that can take our produce far beyond our borders.”
He reaffirmed that agricultural expansion remains central to his 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda, pointing to billions of naira already invested in the sector.
“In 2023 and 2024, we distributed fertilizers and agro-chemicals free of charge,” he said.
“And this year alone, we procured 38,000 bags of fertilizer worth over N1.8 billion to sell to farmers at subsidized rates. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to boosting productivity.”
He added that the state recently purchased improved seeds of millet, maize, sorghum, rice and beans worth N60 million, along with herbicides and insecticides valued at over N36 million.
“Agricultural mechanization remains key to our dream of food security,” he said. “That is why we awarded a contract for 250 Massey Ferguson tractors at a cost of N22.1 billion, and we have already paid 50 percent to ensure quick delivery.”
On irrigation, he disclosed that the state is rehabilitating major facilities, including Lugu Dam and the Kware irrigation scheme, to guarantee all-year farming and increased yields.
Governor Aliyu said the onion cold-storage project aligns with the state’s long-term vision of wealth creation and export-oriented agriculture.
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “To empower farmers with finance, technology and training; to create sustainable jobs for youth and women; and to make Sokoto a major agricultural export hub in Africa.”
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for national economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying they have created a more enabling environment for states to thrive.
Officials say the new cold-storage facility will help stabilize onion prices, cut waste by improving preservation, and boost incomes across the onion value chain.
Follow the MoneyCentral Nigeria channel on WhatsApp: Click here!
