Sokoto Moves To Cut Post-Harvest Wastage With New Onion Cold-Storage Plant

Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Monday performed the groundbreaking of a modern onion cold-storage facility in the More area of the metropolis, describing the project as a “game-changing investment” for the state’s agricultural sector. The initiative is being executed in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The facility is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, increase storage capacity, and boost profitability for thousands of onion farmers across the state. Officials say the project will also help stabilise market prices and preserve the period

He said MOFI’s expertise would support improved production, processing, and distribution of onions and other key crops where Sokoto holds a comparative advantage.

Aliyu noted that onion farming has long been a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy, but requires modern tools and investment to reach its full commercial potential.

He stressed that despite being Nigeria’s leading onion producer, Sokoto must position itself to compete beyond national borders.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to agricultural growth, the governor said the sector remains central to his 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda.

He cited the BN of Naira already invested to strengthen farming activities across the state.

He recalled that the state distributed fertilisers and agrochemicals free of charge in 2023 and 2024. This year alone, he said, the government procured 38,000 bags of fertiliser worth more than N1.8bn to be sold at subsidised rates.

Aliyu also highlighted recent purchases of improved seeds for millet, maize, sorghum, rice, and beans valued at N60m alongside herbicides and insecticides worth over N36m. These efforts, he said, are aimed at boosting productivity and securing food supply.

“Agricultural mechanisation remains key to our dream of food security. We awarded a contract for 250 Massey Ferguson tractors at a cost of N22.1bn and have already paid 50 percent to ensure timely delivery,” the governor added.

He added that rehabilitation works are ongoing at major irrigation facilities, including Lugu Dam and the Kware irrigation scheme, to support year-round farming and expand agricultural output.

Aliyu said the cold-storage project aligns with the state’s long-term vision for wealth creation and export-driven agriculture.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing economic reforms and noted that Sokoto’s 2026 budget framework, unveiled in November, reflects the aspirations of communities across all 23 local government areas.