News in Brief:
– Yobe state has signed a ₦14 billion contract to procure farm inputs, equipment, and renovate agricultural offices to revitalise the agricultural sector.
– The initiative aims to boost food security, job creation, and empower farmers through improved tools and infrastructure.
Nigeria’s Yobe state government has signed a ₦14 billion contract with Salmuftah Investment Nigeria Ltd. to procure farm inputs and equipment.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ali Gomiri, the contract specifies the provision of agricultural inputs to farmers to boost agricultural productivity, while increasing food security.
The supplies include essential inputs like assorted fertilisers, seeds and agrochemicals. Others include modern agricultural machines like multi-purpose threshers, mini-tillers, ploughing machines, hand push planters, sprayers and solar-powered pumps with panels.
Investing in infrastructure and women’s empowerment
Additionally, the ₦14 billion investment extends beyond equipment. Gomiri highlighted plans by the state government to purchase 200 motorcycles for zonal agricultural inspectors to enhance mobility and field supervision.
There is also a plan that includes the empowerment of women in the state through a goat distribution program and renovating the agricultural ministry offices in Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru, Geidam, Damaturu, Buni-Yadi, and other locations.
Meantime, the Commissioner stressed the importance of quality and adherence to agreed specifications. He subsequently implored the Director of Operations, Salmuftah Investment Nigeria Limited, Ahmad Haruna, to ‘justify the confidence reposed in him by supplying quality items.’
However, attempts to find out more about the comapny proved futile as it had not online presence and was not listed on the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) website as of the time we checked.
