Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced a petrol subsidy for farmers in communities impacted by years of insurgency, offering the commodity at a reduced rate of N600 per litre.
The announcement of the petrol subsidy is a significant decrease from the market price of N1,000 – N1,200 per litre in Maiduguri.
The announcement was made during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of farming inputs to 5, 000 returnees in Bama, a town previously ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents.
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Gov. Zulum explained that the initiative aims to support farmers burdened by high fuel costs, which have hindered irrigation farming.
He noted with satisfaction, the success of a similar scheme implemented last year in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, which boosted food production and livelihoods.
“One of the major challenges facing farming communities is the high cost of fuel. To address this, the government will procure petroleum products and sell them at a subsidised rate of N600 per litre to irrigation farmers this season,” Gov. Zulum stated.
He directed the state commissioner for agriculture to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the prompt delivery of fuel to farmers in Bama.
In addition to the subsidy, the governor distributed vital farming materials, including 2, 000 bags of NPK fertiliser, 1, 000 water pumps, 620 gasoline pumps, 380 solar water pumps, 1, 000 sprayers, 800 rolls of 2-inch flexible hoses, 1,000 litres of pesticides and seeds.
Over 100 tube wells were said to have been constructed for irrigation farmers, with approval granted for an additional 250 wells.
The governor expressed gratitude to the federal government for supporting his administration’s efforts to rebuild and restore communities affected by insurgency.
