Zulum announces N500m cash support for vulnerable residents in five Borno LGAs

…launches 50% subsidised fertiliser sales, free farm inputs for 120,000 farmers

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a N500 million cash support package for poor and vulnerable residents across five local government areas of the state.

The governor said the intervention would benefit vulnerable persons, women and youths in Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo Local Government Areas to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activities.

Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the launch of the 2026 statewide wet farming season at the Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, where he also flagged off the sale and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertilizer at 50 per cent subsidised rates.

The governor also launched the distribution of free agricultural inputs to 120,000 farmers across the state as part of efforts to boost food production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The intervention includes free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities.

Zulum also unveiled the distribution of 10,000 bicycles to improve the mobility of rural farmers and introduced post-harvest storage facilities aimed at reducing crop losses and improving preservation.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the programme was designed to strengthen agriculture, improve food and nutrition security, create jobs and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.

According to him, the programme covers the entire agricultural value chain, including mechanisation services, irrigation development, fertiliser and improved seed distribution, agrochemical support, extension services, harvesting support, post-harvest storage, agro-processing, market access and agricultural financing targeted at women and youths.

“We are gathered here in Kwaya Kusar, one of the most important agricultural hubs in our state, to officially launch the 2026 Wet Farming Season and flag off the sales and distribution of NPK fertilisers at government-subsidised rates alongside the distribution of free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles, as well as post-harvest storage facilities for healthy and durable storage,” Zulum said.

He disclosed that the state government had procured 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser for the programme.

“Borno State Government has procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertiliser which will be sold to farmers at a subsidy of 50 per cent of the prevailing market price. This represents a significant increase compared to the 75 truckloads distributed during the last farming season,” he said.

The governor added that more than 120,000 profiled farmers would benefit from the agricultural support programme.

“Beyond fertilisers, the state government will also distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals free of charge, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers, 10,000 bicycles and other essential farm inputs to over 120,000 profiled farmers across the state to ensure that farmers receive support across the entire agricultural value chain,” he said.

Zulum said Kwaya Kusar was selected to host the statewide launch because of its importance as one of Borno’s major agricultural hubs.

He warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling the subsidised fertiliser.

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“I wish to use this opportunity to emphasise that these fertilisers being distributed today are meant strictly for agricultural crop production. They are not for resale, diversion, hoarding or any other purpose other than crop production. Every beneficiary has a responsibility to ensure that these NPK fertilisers are utilised appropriately,” he warned.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support to states, saying it had enabled sub-national governments to implement more people-centred development programmes.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Bawu Musami, said sustained government investment was positioning Borno as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states.

According to him, the state government had implemented interventions including free and subsidised fertiliser programmes, mechanisation services, extension services, improved seeds, irrigation infrastructure, solar-powered water pumps, agrochemicals, agricultural assets and post-harvest processing facilities.

Also speaking, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, called for the revival of the state’s annual agricultural show to provide farmers with opportunities to showcase their produce and promote agricultural innovation.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II; the Emir of Shani, Alhaji Nasiru Muhammadu Mailafiya; APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.