FIC Report (Kaduna State) – The Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani performing the official launch of the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Program at Murtala Square, Kaduna.
The event, which was witnessed by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, marks another bold step in our commitment to transforming agriculture and ensuring that farming is not just a seasonal activity but a sustainable, year-round enterprise.
In his remarks at the event, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture stated that Kaduna State is the pride of Northern Nigeria and commended our administration for prioritizing agriculture and increasing the budget for the sector.
He called for the strengthening of partnership between the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He urged Kaduna State farmers to make good use of the gesture extended to them by our administration.
Also in his speech Kaduna State Governor at the official launch, thanks stakeholders in the agricultural sector for commending our administration for its commitment to ensuring peace and security through the Kaduna Peace Model.
Sani said Our efforts, have enabled farmers to return back to their farms, thus reviving rural economies and safeguarding the livelihoods of the people.
Uba reiterated their support for the success in our administration.
He added that Under the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Program, we are distributing 100,000 bags of fertilizers—both NPK and Urea—to enhance soil fertility and boost yields.
Also sani said, have also procured 500 power tillers to assist smallholder farmers in land preparation, 2,000 knapsack sprayers for effective pest and disease control, and 10,000 water pumps, most of which are solar-powered to support irrigation and ensure uninterrupted farming during the dry season.
Governor mentioned that providing high-quality seeds and agrochemicals to improve productivity across the state.
He also explained that Under this phase of the intervention, we are distributing 100 residue crushers and 50 fodder choppers to various beneficiaries, including livestock markets, cooperative groups in the livestock sector, and 19 sedentary pastoral list communities across the state.
He also said as part of our broader agenda to enhance rural livelihoods and foster peace, we have provided these communities with solar-powered boreholes equipped with drinking troughs for livestock.
Sani mentioned that as a state, made tremendous progress in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, peace building and conflict transformation, and also restored peace and security to conflict – challenged areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Governments. Farmers can now conveniently access their farms, Commercial activities are back in full swing, It is however a work in progress.
Uba Sani said his administration is not just prioritizing Agriculture; Agriculture is at the center of Kaduna State’s Development Agenda, mentioned in the 2025 Budget we allocated 10% of the total budget to the agricultural sector.
Also express that As a subnational this is hugely significant because Kaduna reached the Malabo target of investing 10% of national budgets in agriculture set by African Heads of State and Government in Equatorial Guinea in June 2014.
He said committed to empowering our farmers and repositioning them to increase their production and tap into the export market. It is gratifying to note that:
(a) Kaduna State has attracted the Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), a major facility supported by AFREXIMBANK that will provide vital testing, certification, and inspection services for agricultural products. We have commenced the construction of this project which will not only enhance Kaduna State’s agricultural exports but also position our state as a hub for testing, certification and inspection services for agricultural products in West Africa.
(b) We have commenced the construction of the Special Agricultural Processing Zone (SAPZ), a partnership between the Kaduna State Government and the African development Bank (AfDB). The official groundbreaking will be performed soon. The Special Agricultural Processing Zone will be provided with necessary infrastructure (land, roads, power, and security). The SAPZ will offer a bigger market for farmers and serve as a magnet for increased production and greater value – addition for agricultural produce.
Signed:
Muhammad Gwani
HOC Kaduna (FIRC).
