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William Attah
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has given reasons for subsidizing the price of 50kg bag of fertilizer from over N50,000 in the open market to N32,000 for the Government procured product.
With the 2026 farming season fully setting in in Gombe State, prices of fertilizer and other farm inputs has remained on the high side according to findings by our correspondent.
The popular NPK and Urea brands of fertilizer have maintained their prices of N52,000 and over N60,000 respectively in the open market for the past six months, but Governor Inuwa’s new price for the State Government’s procured product is expected to force prices down following the State launch of the fertilizer last Tuesday (23/06/2026).
According to the Governor, Government’s motives is to boost food production, accessibility and agricultural productivity while taking intentional measures to ensure a secured and peaceful atmosphere for farmers to go to their farmlands.
Governor Inuwa announced that the State Government had procured 12,000 metric tons of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, equivalent to about 240,000 bags, which will be sold to farmers at a highly subsidised rate of N32,000 per 50kg bag, representing a 50 percent discount on the prevailing market price.
He described the timely procurement and distribution of the fertilizer as, “a clear demonstration of this administration’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector and sustaining the State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs”.
He also announced that apart from the fertilizer distribution, Government will provide several agricultural machines and tools free of charge to farmers across the state.
“There are 833 water pumps, 450 motorised weeders, 544 motorised sprayers, 550 rice transplanters, 350 peanut shellers, 50 rice and maize planters/harvesters, 50 rice milling machines, 45 walking tractors, as well as 20 oil filtering and oil press machines for distribution”, he assured.
The Governor also cautioned the farmers that the provision of subsidised farm inputs alone would not guarantee agricultural transformation unless farmers embrace modern, knowledge-driven farming practices while urging them to move away from traditional rain-dependent agriculture and adopt climate-smart and technology-driven farming methods. “This will guarantee improved productivity, increasing resilience, and guaranteeing sustainable food production”, he added.
“In this regard, I encourage all farmers to embrace dry season farming and pay close attention to weather advisories and early warning systems provided by agricultural extension services and meteorological agencies.
Aligning farming activities with scientific forecasts will help reduce the risks of drought, flooding, and pest infestations,” he advised.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, describing Gombe State as a longstanding model of harmony and mutual understanding while calling on security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups to intensify dialogue, vigilance, and collaboration in order to sustain peace across farming communities.
“Let me make it clear that this administration will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of our communities. We remain committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all citizens, whether crop farmers or livestock herders,” he warned.
He then disclosed the formation of a special fertilizer distribution committee constituted to ensure transparency and accountability in the exercise, while security agencies have been directed to closely monitor the process to prevent diversion, fraud, or illegal sales.
“Anyone found sabotaging this process will face the full weight of the law. We will not allow a few individuals to undermine the welfare of our farmers and the food security of the state,” he warned.
In his address earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Bldr. Ahmed Saeed Guli, described the fertilizer distribution programme as another clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to agricultural growth, rural development, and livestock transformation in Gombe State.
In their various goodwill messages, the Gombe State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Absolom Akwaras and the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State Chapter, Modibbo Sadiq Nafada, both appreciated Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his sustained commitment to agricultural development.
Mr Absalom described the timely distribution of fertilizer as a major morale booster for farmers and a significant contribution toward enhancing food production and explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is strengthening agricultural financing institutions, including the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture, to improve farmers’ access to support and increase national food sufficiency.
On his part, Modibbo Sadiq Nafada, appreciated the Governor for his efforts in addressing farmer-herder conflicts in the state.
