Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Monday carried out the groundbreaking ceremony for a new onion cold-storage facility located in the More area of the city, describing it as a “game-changing investment” for the state’s agricultural sector.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, aims to cut post-harvest losses, boost storage capabilities, and improve earnings for thousands of onion growers across the region.
“This partnership holds tremendous promise for our people.
“With MOFI’s expertise and resources, we are launching a new chapter that strengthens production, processing, and distribution, not only for onions but also for other agricultural products where Sokoto has enormous potential,” Aliyu said.
He pointed out that onion cultivation has remained a major aspect of the state’s farming industry but needs modern infrastructure to unlock its full commercial value.
“For generations, our farmers have cultivated onions with dedication. Sokoto is the leading producer in Nigeria, but we must modernise and attract the type of investment that can take our produce far beyond our borders,” he said.
Aliyu reiterated that advancing the agricultural sector is central to his 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda, noting that billions of naira have already been channelled into the industry.
He referenced the free supply of fertilisers and agrochemicals in 2023 and 2024, and explained that this year alone, the state acquired 38,000 bags of fertiliser valued at more than N1.8 billion to be sold at subsidised prices.
He further highlighted recent purchases of improved seeds for millet, maize, sorghum, rice, and beans worth N60 million, together with herbicides and insecticides costing over N36 million.
“Agricultural mechanisation remains key to our dream of food security. We awarded a contract for 250 Massey Ferguson tractors at a cost of N22.1 billion and have already paid 50 percent to ensure timely delivery,” the governor added.
On irrigation, Aliyu revealed that work is ongoing to rehabilitate facilities across the state, including the Lugu Dam and Kware irrigation scheme, to support continuous farming throughout the year.
He stressed that the cold-storage facility fits into Sokoto’s broader plan for wealth creation and an agriculture-driven export economy. “Our goal is simple: empower farmers with finance, technology, and training, create sustainable jobs for youth and women and make Sokoto a major hub for agricultural export in Africa,” he said.
Aliyu also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for national economic reforms, noting, “The economic reforms of the Federal Government are putting our country on the right track and giving states like Sokoto the platform to thrive.”
According to officials, the new facility will help stabilise onion prices, cut wastage by extending shelf life, and boost income along the entire onion value chain.
In November, Aliyu announced the blueprint for the 2026 state budget, assuring citizens that the plan would reflect the needs and priorities of people across all 23 local government areas.