Governor Idris and Kebbi’s agricultural revolution

One of the most distinctive features of Governor Nasir Idris’ administration since its inception is its unwavering commitment to agriculture. Beyond speeches and political statements, the Kebbi State government has consistently demonstrated that it understands the role of agriculture in the state’s economy and the livelihood of its people.

Indeed, this commitment deserves attention because, for us in Kebbi State, agriculture is not just another sector. It is the pillar of our livelihood and the backbone of the state’s economy. Over 80% of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for survival. As a result, every investment in agriculture is, in reality, an investment in people.

Having grown up appreciating the dignity of agriculture and understanding the sacrifices that accompany each agricultural season, I find this constant attention to agriculture particularly commendable. I am brave in saying that farmers need more than promises; they need timely support, accessible inputs and policies that reduce production costs while improving yields. Everything seems to indicate that this is the direction chosen by Governor Idris.

One of the most visible demonstrations of that commitment is the annual distribution of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs to farmers across the state.

Since 2024, the administration has maintained the policy of free supply of fertilizers and agricultural inputs under the Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda (KADAGE). Instead of viewing agricultural interventions as seasonal political events, the government supported them as recurring programs aimed at strengthening food production and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.

The latest outreach for the 2026 wet farming season further illustrates that commitment as 110 truckloads, approximately 6,000 tons, of NPK fertilizer, along with 100 tons of improved, climate-resilient millet and rice seeds, were distributed to 120,000 farmers across the state.

Unlike conventional distribution models that often create room for middlemen and diversions, the fertilizer would be distributed across the state’s 3,743 polling units, bringing contributions closer to real farmers while improving transparency and accountability.

Improved seed varieties, including drought-tolerant and early-maturing millet and rice, have been specially selected to help farmers cope with increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. With climate change now manifesting itself through prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, flooding and increased pest infestations, such interventions have become not only desirable but necessary.

What particularly caught my attention was the logic behind the program. Clearly, the goal is not simply to distribute fertilizers or improved seeds. Rather, it is about reducing production costs, improving food security, strengthening climate resilience and restoring confidence among farmers who continue to bear the brunt of rising input costs and changing weather conditions. It is difficult to criticize such reasoning.

Across Nigeria, one of the biggest threats to agricultural productivity is the rising cost of cultivation. Fertilizer prices have risen sharply in recent years, while access to improved seeds and mechanized farming equipment remains out of reach for many small farmers. Public intervention, therefore, becomes an important bridge between politics and productivity. Governor Idris seems to appreciate this reality.

In addition to fertilizer distribution, his administration has consistently invested in agricultural mechanization. The government procured and distributed 5,000 tillers and other agricultural implements to farmers, revived the state’s tractor rental program at subsidized rates, and expanded irrigation infrastructure to encourage year-round farming.

These are interventions capable of reducing dependence on manual labor and making agriculture more attractive, especially for young people, who increasingly see agriculture through the lens of profitability rather than subsistence. Equally significant is the administration’s investment in irrigation.

According to government data, the State has so far distributed over 15,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, 20,000 petrol pumps and 10,000 LPG-powered irrigation pumps to farmers across the State. Combined with state participation in the SPIN project and expansion of irrigation infrastructure, these interventions have the potential to reduce rainfall dependence and improve dry season agriculture.

Clearly, the state no longer treats irrigation as a luxury. He recognized that in this era where climate uncertainty is becoming the new normal, irrigation must also be normalized if the state is to reposition agriculture. The difference between one crop and two, between subsistence farming and commercial farming, is becoming increasingly greater.

Another laudable aspect of the program is the administration’s insistence on accountability. Governor Idris has repeatedly warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling fertilizers and improved seeds meant for farmers. He made it clear that anyone found violating the directive will face the full brunt of the law.

To ensure adequate oversight, the state government created a powerful annual Fertilizer Distribution Committee comprising commissioners, members of the State Assembly, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders. Their task is to ensure transparent, fair and responsible distribution in the 225 constituencies and 3,743 electoral units of the state.

Across the country, a recurring challenge associated with government agricultural interventions has been diversion. Inputs destined for poor farmers sometimes end up in private shops or commercial markets, denying real farmers the very support intended for them. The decision to decentralize distribution by involving more stakeholders offers a better chance of achieving the program objectives.

Without overemphasizing the issue, what Kebbi appears to be pursuing is not simply a fertilizer distribution program, but a broader agricultural transformation program.

KADAGE combines fertilizer support, improved seeds, mechanization, irrigation, climate adaptation, extension services and farmer security into a single coordinated strategy. Considered individually or collectively, these interventions point to an administration that understands that agricultural development requires more than simply distributing bags of fertilizer once a year.

The deployment of additional agricultural extension workers to promote climate-friendly agricultural practices is another positive development. Modern agriculture increasingly depends not only on access to inputs but also on knowledge. If productivity is to improve sustainably, farmers need guidance on improved seed varieties, efficient fertilizer application, pest management and water conservation.

As someone whose growth has been positively influenced by agriculture, I can relate firsthand to how difficult life becomes when fertilizers and other agricultural inputs are unavailable or inaccessible. I understand the anxiety that accompanies every planting season when farmers are uncertain whether support will arrive in time.

Assuming that these fertilizers and improved seeds actually reach real farmers, are used judiciously, and are complemented by improved agricultural practices, there is every reason to believe that the huge investments made today will result in higher returns tomorrow.

Food production will increase. Rural incomes will improve. The pressure on food prices will gradually ease. More importantly, thousands of farming families will be better positioned to weather the uncertainties created by climate change.

Of course, every public policy deserves scrutiny. Citizens have every right to ask whether fertilizer has reached its intended recipients, whether tillers and irrigation pumps are being used effectively, and whether these investments will produce measurable improvements in agricultural production.

These are legitimate questions because accountability remains the foundation of good governance.

Yet despite these legitimate concerns, it is difficult to ignore the consistency that has characterized Governor Idris’ agricultural interventions since he assumed office. Year after year, the administration has returned to agriculture not just as an election slogan, but as a central pillar of governance.

Without running the risk of being accused of praising this government, I dare say that Governor Idris deserves his flowers for remaining steadfast in this agricultural development agenda. In a country where many governments proclaim agriculture a priority without supporting it with sustained investment, Kebbi’s experience offers a different narrative.

If this consistency is maintained, transparency strengthened and genuine farmers continue to receive the support intended for them, Kebbi State will not only consolidate its position as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states, but will also provide a practical model of how sustained investment in agriculture can stimulate economic growth, strengthen food security and improve the lives of ordinary people.

Rabiu writes from Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state