Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has announced that the state government will subsidize the cost of petrol for farmers in communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Zulum made the announcement on Friday evening in Bama town while distributing farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers who had been displaced by the insurgents.
Fuel Subsidy
According to the governor, a litre of petrol, which is sold between N1,000 and N1,200 in Maiduguri, will be subsidized to N600 for the farmers.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers in conflict-affected areas and boost agricultural productivity.
Zulum highlighted that a similar initiative in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, last year had significantly increased food production and improved livelihoods.
“One of the major challenges that are facing the farming communities here as regards irrigation farming is the increasing cost of fuel. As a result, I want to announce to the general public that government will procure petroleum products and sell to the farmers at a subsidised rate. A litre of petrol is being sold in Maiduguri at the cost of about N1,200 but in’shAllah, henceforth for irrigation farmers, this season, a litre of petrol will be sold at the rate of N600.
“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,” he said.
The governor also distributed various farm inputs, including 2,000 bags of blended NPK fertilizer, 1,000 units of water pumps, 620 units of gasoline pumps, 380 units of solar water pumps, 1,000 units of sprayers, 800 rolls of 2-inch flexible hose, and 1,000 litres of pesticides and seeds.
His administration has constructed over 100 tube wells for irrigation farmers and has approved the construction of an additional 250.
Assessing Construction
During his visit, Zulum assessed ongoing reconstruction work in Darajama and Goniri villages under Bama Local Government, expressing satisfaction with the quality of the projects.
He reiterated that his administration would not allow anyone to sabotage its resettlement drive and expressed gratitude to the federal government for its support in reconstructing and resettling communities affected by insurgency.
Borno Governor
Babagana Umara Zulum is the current governor of Borno State, Nigeria, having assumed office on May 29, 2019. Born on August 25, 1969, in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Zulum has a background in agriculture engineering and has served as both a professor at the University of Maiduguri and the rector of Ramat Polytechnic.
His administration has focused on reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement efforts in areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Nigerian Governor Bans Street Hawking
This decision, announced on Friday, January 3, is aimed at promoting a clean, safe, and organized urban environment in compliance with the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Law of 2002.
