Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has declared that his administration will subsidise petrol for farmers and Internally Displaced Persons returning to communities previously ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.
This initiative is aimed at reducing the financial strain on residents in these areas as they work towards rebuilding their livelihoods.
The governor made this announcement over the weekend in Bama town while inaugurating the distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers who had been displaced by insurgent activities.
Zulum explained that petrol, which typically costs between N1,000 and N1,200 per litre in Maiduguri, would now be available to the farmers at a subsidised rate of N600 per litre. The subsidy, he noted, is designed to alleviate the economic burdens experienced by farmers in regions grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict.
“One of the major challenges facing farming communities here, especially regarding irrigation farming, is the rising cost of fuel,” Zulum stated. “As a result, I want to announce to the general public that the government will procure petroleum products and sell them to farmers at a subsidised rate. A litre of petrol is sold in Maiduguri at about N1,200, but in’shAllah, henceforth, for irrigation farmers this season, a litre of petrol will be sold at the rate of N600.”
He added, “The Commissioner for Agriculture will work with the Brigade Commander to ensure the delivery of the petroleum products to farmers in Bama town as soon as possible.”
Highlighting the success of a similar initiative in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, last year, Zulum noted that it had significantly boosted food production and improved the livelihoods of residents.
As part of his efforts to revitalise farming, the governor distributed essential agricultural materials, including 2,000 bags of blended NPK fertiliser, 1,000 water pumps, 620 gasoline pumps, 380 solar water pumps, 1,000 sprayers, 800 rolls of 2-inch flexible hose, 1,000 litres of pesticides, and various seeds.
Zulum also pointed out that his administration had already constructed over 100 tube wells for irrigation farmers and announced plans to build an additional 250 wells to further support agricultural activities.
During the visit, the governor inspected ongoing reconstruction efforts in Darajama and Goniri villages, both located in Bama Local Government Area. Expressing satisfaction with the quality of work, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of the resettlement programme.
“We will not allow anyone to sabotage our resettlement drive,” Zulum emphasised. He also expressed his gratitude to the federal government for its substantial support in the reconstruction and resettlement of communities affected by insurgency.
Governor Zulum’s initiatives underscore his administration’s determination to rebuild communities, enhance agricultural productivity, and provide meaningful support to those affected by years of conflict in Borno State.
