NDC Gubernatorial Candidate in Sokoto Unveils Plan to Revive Sokoto Economy
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sokoto State, Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu, has presented a comprehensive economic recovery plan centered on the revitalisation of the dormant Dangote Rice Mill in Kware Local Government Area.
In a policy document titled “Unlocking The Kware Giant: A Blueprint For Sokoto’s Industrial Takeoff And Agrarian Wealth,” Aliyu described agriculture as Sokoto’s greatest untapped economic asset, noting that the sector contributes about 42 percent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while employing over 70 percent of the population.
According to the NDC candidate, Sokoto has continued to lose huge economic opportunities because most of its agricultural produce leaves the state without processing or value addition.
Aliyu identified the 250,000-metric-tonne-per-year Dangote Rice Mill located in Runji Village, Kware LGA, as one of the most strategic industrial facilities in the state capable of driving economic transformation if fully operational.
He explained that the major obstacle affecting the rice mill is the inadequate and irregular supply of paddy rice from local farmers, a challenge he linked to fragmented farming systems, poor access to improved seeds, post-harvest losses and weak coordination among producers.
The governorship hopeful estimated that supplying 100,000 metric tonnes of paddy annually to the mill could inject between N35 billion and N40 billion into Sokoto’s economy while supporting thousands of farming households.
He added that a functional rice value chain would also create opportunities in transportation, logistics, livestock feed production and energy generation through the use of rice by-products.
As part of his proposed reforms, Aliyu announced plans to establish Sokoto Foods Limited (SFL), a state-backed agribusiness company to be operated through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Under the arrangement, private investors would oversee operations while the government maintains a minority stake and facilitates long-term agreements between farmers and rice processors.
Aliyu also advocated biometric registration of farmers, improved irrigation systems in Goronyo, Shagari and Kware, access to agricultural credit, and expansion of dry-season farming to guarantee year-round rice production.
He further proposed the creation of a special agricultural-industrial corridor around the Kware Rice Mill with dedicated power supply and tax incentives aimed at attracting investors and reducing operational costs.
“The infrastructure is already in place, our land is fertile, and our farmers are resilient. With the right policies and business-driven approach, Sokoto can become a leading centre of rice production and agro-industrial development in Nigeria,” Aliyu stated.
