Gombe govt flags off 2025 farming season, rolls out subsidised fertilisers
In a decisive step toward boosting agricultural productivity and securing livelihoods, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has officially flagged off the 2025 wet season farming campaign with the procurement and subsidised distribution of 10,000 metric tons (200,000 bags) of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser.
The fertiliser, purchased at ₦44,000 per bag, will be sold to farmers at a heavily subsidised price of ₦27,000 — a 39% subsidy aimed at cushioning the rising costs of inputs and supporting smallholder farmers.
Speaking at the flag-off event, Governor Yahaya underscored that the intervention is more than a seasonal activity—it is part of a long-term strategy to position Gombe as a regional hub for agri-based commerce in Nigeria’s North-East subregion. He noted that the 2025 supply is double the quantity distributed during the 2024 wet season, demonstrating a strong policy shift toward scaling up farmer support.
Governor Yahaya reiterated his government’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies agriculture as a critical pillar for inclusive economic growth. With over 80% of Gombe’s population engaged in agriculture, the fertiliser subsidy is one of several initiatives to improve productivity, resilience, and access to affordable inputs.
He also highlighted strategic partnerships under key development programmes such as:
- Sasakawa Africa Association
- NG-CARES
- L-PRES
- RAAMP
- ACReSAL
These partnerships have enabled Gombe to attract infrastructure investments, scale farmer training, and launch the Agro-Livestock Development Zone—featuring an international livestock and grains market, commercial abattoir, inland dry port, and a seed-processing facility operated by Premier Seeds Nigeria Limited within the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
To ensure transparency and prevent diversion of fertiliser, the Governor directed the Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and civil society organisations to jointly monitor the distribution process to the grassroots.
He also used the occasion to reinforce peacebuilding efforts between farmers and herders by reaffirming support for the Farmers/Herders Prevention and Settlement of Disputes Committees, warning traditional leaders against enabling encroachment on grazing routes.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Absalom Akwaras Lansibol, Acting State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the Governor’s commitment, calling the initiative a model of visionary agricultural leadership.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Agri-Food Review for Stakeholders:
The Gombe State fertiliser rollout is a textbook example of how sub-national governments can meaningfully impact the agri-food sector. Below are expert insights for policymakers, agribusinesses, development partners, and farmers’ associations:
- Subsidy Must Be Matched with Delivery Efficiency
While fertiliser subsidies reduce cost burdens, their true value lies in timely and transparent delivery. Gombe’s emphasis on monitoring and involving civil society in the process is commendable and should be institutionalised. - Doubling Volume Signals Policy Maturity
The move from 5,000 to 10,000 tonnes year-on-year suggests a strategic deepening of input support. This positions Gombe to not only increase yield per hectare but also expand cultivated land, reduce fallow time, and enable multiple cropping seasons. - Development Partnerships Are Paying Off
By leveraging World Bank and AfDB-supported programmes like L-PRES and ACReSAL, Gombe has created a complementary development mix—combining infrastructure, training, access to inputs, and environmental sustainability. - Forward-Looking Infrastructure Strategy
The Agro-Livestock Development Zone and Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park show that Gombe is not only focused on production, but also on processing, value addition, and logistics, which are crucial for transitioning to agri-based industrialisation. - Conflict Sensitivity in Rural Development
Governor Yahaya’s proactive stance on farmer-herder conflict mitigation is critical for productivity. Stakeholders must follow up with community sensitisation, enforce existing land-use laws, and integrate peacebuilding into agricultural planning. - Fertiliser as a Lever for Seed and Extension Uptake
The fertiliser distribution can also serve as an entry point for bundling other inputs—such as improved seeds—and advisory services. An integrated approach increases the return on investment and ensures fertiliser isn’t misused. - Localised Input Ecosystems Must Be Strengthened
For long-term success, Gombe should invest in local agro-dealer networks, establish state-led soil testing protocols, and promote blended fertiliser use suited to local soil needs.
Conclusion
Gombe’s fertiliser intervention exemplifies how political will, strategic planning, and partnerships can be harnessed to deliver agricultural value at scale. With double input volumes, transparent distribution mechanisms, and integrated infrastructure development, the state is laying a solid foundation for inclusive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented agriculture. Other states would do well to adapt and scale such coordinated approaches.
