Arewa Times

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

Aliko Dangote is the founder of the Dangote Refinery, situated in Lagos. He built the refinery through hard work and perseverance, a process that took about four years.

Today, Dangote Refinery is the largest in Africa and the world’s biggest single‑train refinery. An expansion is already underway; and on completion it will produce over one million barrels of petroleum product per day, making it the largest refinery globally.

Dangote started as a humble businessman, rising from the bottom to the top. He has never held a government appointment, so no one can accuse him of embezzling public funds. Before entering oil and gas, he invested in cement, rice, sugar, spaghetti and other sectors. He is the largest individual employer in Nigeria and across Africa, and after the expansion his company will surpass the Federal Government in employment numbers.

After investing $20 billion, some “enemies of the nation” — self‑styled cabals — have tried to sabotage the refinery. Their goal is to keep importing fuel, which drains foreign exchange, weakens the naira and enables fraudulent claims on government subsidies. A functional refinery is the best way to stop this economic sabotage.

Dangote once offered to buy NNPC’s refineries, but public outcry and former President Yar’Adua’s rejection halted the deal. He then built his own, far larger than any state‑owned plant. When the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, led by Ahmed Farouk, refused to supply crude, Dangote was forced to import from the United States. He exposed the problem through the media, prompting public pressure.

Farouk’s office later accused Dangote’s fuel of being substandard and high in sulfur. Dangote countered with evidence from his world‑class laboratory, inviting the National Assembly to inspect it. The legislators were satisfied, while the regulator failed to produce its own test results, revealing it had no functional laboratory.

The cabal then tried to block product loading by withdrawing union trucks. Dangote responded by purchasing 4,000 trucks to distribute his products nationwide, eliminating reliance on the union fleet. The union, backed by the cabal, demanded his drivers join them, but Dangote refused, citing voluntary union membership. A fire incident damaged part of the refinery, but it was repaired at cost.

PENGASSAN later joined the fight, striking against the refinery. Nigerians opposed the strike, and the President intervened, ending it. The President also ordered the regulator to sell crude to Dangote in naira, removing the need for foreign exchange. Since then, the naira has stabilized, and Nigeria now exports refined products, earning foreign exchange and boosting GDP.

Recently, Dangote accused Farouk of corruption, alleging he paid $5 million (≈N7 billion) for his children’s school fees. The claim shocked the nation, and many call for Farouk’s prosecution to recover alleged looted funds. The President has already removed Farouk from office, but further legal action is urged.
With the ongoing development, Dangote submitted petition to ICPC, which he later withdrew but sent a fresh one to the EFCC and the agency is now carrying out a thorough investigation.

Some cabal members who took delight in spreading false allegations that Dangote’s wealth is fraudulent had to take back their vomit. A retired NNPC staff from Kaduna State immediately retracted his statement after receiving a lawyer’s letter. He had since buried his head shame in shame by “retracting and apologizing” to Dangote.

While Nigerians continue to thank Dangote for locating the refinery in Nigeria rather than abroad, viewing it as a national pride and a solution to years of moribund state refineries, I personally suggest that to protect this asset, the President should advisably declare the Dangote Refinery “a national asset and monument,” deterring future sabotage. The refinery has already prevented fuel prices from reaching N5,000 per litre and has created thousands of jobs.

My advice to Dangote is simple: build modern depots in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ease Lagos congestion, reduce highway accidents and lower truck wear‑and‑tear.
If the depots are built in each geo political centres the trucks will load at their zones and they do not need to come all the way to Lagos to load their products. If this advice is taken by Alh Aliko Dangote it will reduce accident on the high ways, reduce congestion in Lagos, and it will also reduce the wear and tear of his trailer vehicles.
This is my own humble technical advice to the legendary Icon of all time Alh Aliko Dangote.

In summary, Dangote’s refinery is really a transformational, privately‑driven achievement reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape, creating jobs, and challenging entrenched import interests. With continued support, it will secure Nigeria’s future and remain a source of national pride. We wish you more grease to your elbows, ride on my big brother you are doing great and shame to the cabals.

Ibrahim Abdullahi is the Managing Director, Jessibram Investment Ltd, Abuja.

For decades, Kano politics has been a theatre of perpetual motion—loud, crowded and endlessly combative. Elections came and went, governments changed, yet the underlying rhythm remained the same: tension over stability, politics over policy and survival over strategy.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s (AKY) alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) may well mark the first decisive break from that cycle. This is not merely a political realignment; it is an appointment with history.

Kano’s greatest paradox has always been its strength. As Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre of the North, blessed with population, enterprise, culture and talent, the state should have been miles ahead. Instead, political fragmentation has repeatedly turned energy into friction.

Governments spent too much time fighting for legitimacy and too little time governing for growth. AKY’s move into the APC, aligning Kano with the party at the centre, directly confronts this structural weakness. Stability, in politics, is not the absence of opposition; it is the presence of predictable cooperation. By collapsing the wall between Kano Government House and the federal power structure, AKY has altered the incentives of politics itself. Conflict now comes at a higher cost, while collaboration suddenly pays dividends. This alone recalibrates the political atmosphere—from constant brinkmanship to cautious consensus.
More importantly, the alignment repositions Kano within Nigeria’s national development conversation. Infrastructure, security coordination, industrial policy, power projects, rail connectivity and urban renewal are no longer distant lobbying points; they become shared responsibilities. A governor operating within the same political framework as the presidency gains not just access, but influence. For a state as large and complex as Kano, that influence is oxygen.

Critics may frame the move as opportunism.
History, however, judges outcomes—not slogans. Kano’s politics has tried purity and paid the price in paralysis. What AKY appears to be betting on instead is effectiveness.
The APC platform offers a wider governing coalition, deeper institutional reach and a pathway to long-term policy continuity beyond electoral cycles. In a state fatigued by political drama, continuity itself becomes a reform.

There is also a quieter, but more profound implication. AKY’s alignment sends a signal to Kano’s political class that the era of perpetual antagonism may be ending. When the governor chooses convergence over confrontation, the tone of politics changes from the top down. Investors notice. Civil servants recalibrate. Politics stops being war by other means and starts resembling governance.

History is unkind to leaders who merely occupy office. It is far kinder to those who recognise defining moments and act decisively. AKY’s alignment with the APC is such a moment—a calculated risk, yes, but also a strategic correction long overdue. If managed with discipline, inclusiveness and a relentless focus on delivery, this decision could stabilise Kano politics for a generation and unlock progress that has been promised for decades but postponed by discord.

Kano has waited long enough. History has finally knocked—and this time, the door appears to be opening.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Justice/Constitutional Matters- 234 8033 742424, aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

A women’s group operating under the aegis of Kajuru/Chikun Women Group has strongly criticised Senator Lawal Adamu, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District over what it described as his alleged failure to visit or support communities affected by recent bandit attacks in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The group, in a press statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Mrs. Jumai Bulus, and Secretary,Mrs. Mary Galadima, accused the senator of showing “no sense of concern” for victims of insecurity in Kajuru and Chikun local government areas, despite the spate of attacks that have left several communities traumatised and displaced.

According to the women, it was disheartening that a lawmaker elected with the hope of improving the welfare and security of his constituents had failed to rise to the occasion at a critical time.

“It is painful to note that our senator has not only failed in his duties as a lawmaker, but has also disappointed the electorate who voted for him with the hope that he would make their lives better,” the statement read.

The group noted that previous occupants of the senatorial seat, under similar circumstances, didn’t waste time to speak out on the floor of the Senate and further visited affected communities as well as identified with victims of attacks and provided relief materials to ease their suffering.

“In this trying period, we expected Senator Lawal to act like his predecessors ,who openly condemned such attacks and personally visited affected areas. As we speak, we are not aware of any such visit or intervention by him,” the women said.

They further lamented what they described as the senator’s habitual silence on critical issues of security and welfare, stressing that both are fundamental constitutional responsibilities of elected representatives.

“We are deeply pained that our senator has not shown concern about our security and welfare, which are fundamental constitutional matters,” the statement added.

The women also alleged that rather than engaging with constituents or initiating legislative and advocacy efforts to address insecurity, the senator had been frequently travelling outside the country.

“We gathered that instead of sitting down to make relevant laws or interventions to better the lives of his people, he is often travelling out of the country,” the group claimed.

Raising further concerns, the Kajuru/Chikun women said they were unaware of any tangible constituency projects attracted or executed by the senator since he assumed office over two years ago.

“We have not seen any meaningful constituency projects that he has either attracted or executed since he came into office. If there are any in our communities, he should boldly come out to tell us,” they challenged.

The group also called on Senator Lawal to publicly account for constituency funds allocated to lawmakers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for constituency outreach and development.
“We are challenging him to render account of the huge monies given to lawmakers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boost constituency outreach,” the statement read.

The women vowed to mobilise their communities to vote the senator out in the 2027 general elections, insisting that they would support candidates with proven capacity, courage and commitment to speaking for their people on the floor of the Senate.

“We will no longer support docile lawmakers. We are determined to elect people with proven track records of capacity and purpose—leaders who will stand up and speak for us,” they declared.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has called for unity and collective responsibility in addressing the recent kidnapping incident in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, urging Nigerians to avoid politicising the tragedy.

Reacting to the incident, Sani expressed confidence in the capacity of the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims, describing the rescue of the captives as an urgent priority.

“I have no doubt that the Kaduna State Government and the security agencies will work diligently to secure the release of the captives,” the former lawmaker said.

While condemning the attack, Sani acknowledged the security efforts of Governor Uba Sani, noting that significant progress has been made in tackling insecurity across the state over the past two years.

“Despite this tragic incident, Governor Uba Sani has been doing a lot to secure the state in the last two years, and his efforts should be appreciated,” he stated.
The rights activist emphasized that moments of crisis should not be exploited for political gains, stressing that the focus must remain on saving lives and restoring safety.

“Working towards securing the release of the hostages now is the priority. Everyone who has something to contribute should do that and not play politics with the lives of the people,” Sani warned.

He further noted that criminal elements often take advantage of vulnerable communities, urging sustained resolve in confronting insecurity.

“Bandits and terrorists will always hit soft targets, and we must never waver or falter in our determination to defeat them and secure our state and country,” he added.

The Kajuru kidnapping has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges in parts of Kaduna State, with calls mounting for sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, and local communities to end banditry and terrorism.

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

History often reveals itself not in moments of noise, but in moments of alignment-when power, timing and leadership converge. Nigeria is living through such a moment and at its centre stands President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The expanding national political consensus coalescing around the APC is not an accident of electoral arithmetic; it is the culmination of decades of political engineering, negotiations and strategic bridge-building in which Asiwaju has been the principal architect.
Nigeria’s recurring challenge has never been the absence of reform ideas. What has been missing is a leader capable of commanding sufficient national consensus to implement them. Constitutional conferences have come and gone. Committees have produced volumes of recommendations. Yet reform repeatedly stalled at the altar of political fragmentation and mutual suspicion. Tinubu’s ascendancy marks a departure from that cycle.
Unlike many leaders who inherit power without reach, Tinubu arrived at the presidency with a deep, cross-regional political network patiently built over time. His politics has always been coalition politics-pragmatic, inclusive and unsentimental.

From his days as a pro-democracy activist, to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and through his role in forging the APC itself, Tinubu demonstrated a rare understanding of Nigeria’s power map and how to align its diverse interests without collapsing into sectionalism.

The current national convergence around the APC reflects this strategic depth. It is not merely that the party governs across much of the federation; it is that this spread cuts across traditional fault lines-North and South, Muslim and Christian, majority and minority regions. Only a leader with Tinubu’s political credibility and negotiating instinct could have held together such a broad coalition in Nigeria’s notoriously volatile political terrain.

This convergence creates something Nigeria has seldom enjoyed; the political space for courage. Restructuring- long caricatured as a sectional agenda- can now be approached as a national project.

Under Tinubu, the argument for reform no longer sounds like a threat to unity but like a strategy to save it. When a president commands trust and influence across regions, fears give way to dialogue and suspicion yields to pragmatism.
Nigeria’s problems are structural and well known. Over-centralisation has weakened security, stifled economic initiative and eroded accountability. States remain fiscally dependent and administratively constrained, while the federal centre is overburdened and inefficient. These dysfunctions persist not because they are unsolvable, but because previous leaders lacked the political alignment to confront them decisively.
Tinubu’s leadership changes that equation. His presidency coincides with a rare political consensus strong enough to sustain difficult conversations about devolution, fiscal federalism, state policing and a more balanced federation. Crucially, this is not consensus born of coercion, but of political inclusion. It is the product of alliances negotiated, interests balanced and egos managed – hallmarks of Tinubu’s political style.

With the groundwork of national consensus already laid, Kano’s decision to plug into the centre reflects a clear reading of history, power and opportunity. Given its demographic strength, economic reach and symbolic standing in the North, Kano’s cooperation significantly deepens the legitimacy and reach of ongoing reforms. More than a political gesture, the alignment positions the state as an active stakeholder in shaping outcomes rather than reacting to them.

At a time when reform demands coordination and shared purpose, Kano’s alignment enhances its influence at the centre while reinforcing national stability and policy coherence.
Yet history is unforgiving of missed opportunities.

Consensus can be a tool for reform or a trap of complacency. The measure of Tinubu’s place in Nigeria’s political history will not be the scale of his political dominance, but the depth of the reforms he dares to pursue. Power that merely consolidates itself is soon forgotten; power that restructures a nation endures.

Restructuring under Tinubu need not be radical rupture. It can be deliberate, negotiated and stabilizing – strengthening the federation by empowering its parts while preserving national cohesion. That balance between firmness and flexibility is precisely where Tinubu’s political genius has always resided.

This moment calls for statesmanship over partisanship, legacy over longevity. If Tinubu deploys this unprecedented national consensus to reset Nigeria’s federal architecture, history will remember him not merely as a master strategist, but as the leader who finally aligned Nigeria’s power structure with its realities. Moments like this define nations and leaders. For Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this is more than a presidency. It is an appointment with history!

Barrister Aminu Hussaini is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters: +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Doha, Qatar — Nigeria has recorded a historic milestone in its defence and industrial development with the global debut of the DICON-D7G, a fully indigenous defence platform, at the ongoing Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026).

The exhibition, which runs until January 23, is one of the world’s leading maritime and naval defence gatherings, bringing together policymakers, senior military officials, and defence technology companies from across the globe.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who formally declared the DICON-D7G exhibition booth open on Monday, described the platform as a major demonstration of Nigeria’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and technological innovation.

Abbas, noted that Nigeria’s participation at DIMDEX reflects the country’s commitment to maritime security cooperation and industrial advancement on the global stage, adding that the exhibition represents Nigeria’s most ambitious international defence presentation to date.

For the first time since the establishment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 1968, the Federal Government is showcasing a comprehensive platform designed for the production, assembly, maintenance, storage, and export of military equipment.

The initiative, officials said, underscores Nigeria’s determination to transition from an import-dependent defence system to a self-reliant, export-oriented military-industrial complex.

Fielding questions from journalists, the Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, said the platform was a product of years of strategic reforms, public-private partnerships, and policy alignment aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

“DICON-D7G delivers end-to-end defence solutions, ranging from weapons production and systems integration to maintenance, logistics, warehousing, and export readiness,” Chennar said.

He added that the platform actively integrates retired military generals and other seasoned professionals with civilian experts to mentor and train the next generation of defence personnel.

“We are not just building equipment; we are building human capacity for the future of Nigeria’s defence sector,” he said.

Also speaking, Retired Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa, Director of Land Systems at DICON, described DIMDEX 2026 as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its expanding capabilities while engaging global defence manufacturers, technology partners, and investors.

According to him, DICON-D7G is exploring technology transfer arrangements, joint ventures, and export opportunities, particularly across Africa, the Middle East, and other emerging defence markets.

Industry analysts said Nigeria’s participation at DIMDEX sends a strong signal of the Federal Government’s resolve to reposition DICON as a competitive player in the global defence industry while strengthening national security through local content development.

Similarly, Retired Brigadier General Abiodun Morakinyo noted that Nigeria’s presence at the exhibition aligns with broader national defence and industrialisation objectives, including reducing foreign exchange exposure, enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces, creating skilled jobs, and promoting technological innovation.

“DIMDEX is a global platform where nations assert their defence autonomy, and Nigeria’s debut sends a clear message that the country is now firmly part of that league,” he said.

Beyond technology exhibition, the Nigerian delegation is also engaging in high-level discussions on strategic partnerships, maritime security cooperation, and defence export opportunities.

With the unveiling of the DICON-D7G platform, Nigeria aims to secure a foothold in international defence markets, particularly among African and Middle Eastern countries seeking reliable and affordable defence solutions.

Observers say the launch represents a broader vision for Nigeria’s defence sector, focused on local innovation, job creation, and technological growth, while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

As DIMDEX 2026 continues, analysts expect Nigeria’s indigenous defence debut to attract significant global interest and strengthen the country’s strategic standing in the international defence and security landscape.

The Management and Staff of Energy Commission of Nigeria has congratulated their Director General, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on the occasion of his birthday.

The staffs in their birthday message applauded the leadership style of Dr. Mustapha describing him as a good manager of men and resources.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi was also described as a man with an amiable personality and God -fearing disposition.

According to the staffs. “Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has displayed an enviable leadership quality in the development of the sector through his significant contributions to the Commission including the energy sector that has witnessed sustainable growth in energy solutions that has also fostered appreciable levels.

“His unwavering dedication to duty, improvements to staff welfare have remained a rallying point that has continued to” encourage staff, attract admiration and support to his policies for the overall good of the sector.

While wishing the indefatigable DG a happy birthday anniversary celebration, the Management and Staff of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN called on Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha to remain focused on his vision to take the Commission to the enviable heights for all and the nation at large.

The staffs lauded him as a dedicated agent of Renewed Hope which has uplifted the spirit of the workforce from its near-obscurity in its over four decades of existence

They further commended Mr. President for appointing a sound visionary and genuinely dedicated person as Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria in the person of Dr. Mustapha, who on assumption to office had assured that under his leadership, “The ECN will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

By Mike Odeh James

DATELINE: January 8, 2026

The Concerned Petrol Station Workers have strongly opposed the recently announced plans by AA Rano to roll out Nigeria’s first fully automated and unmanned fuel stations this January.

They argued that the development could worsen unemployment and deepen insecurity if not properly thought out and regulated.

According to AA Rano, its stations would offer 24-hour self-service fuelling, contactless payments and real-time monitoring, eliminating the need for on-site attendants.

However, the Convener, Concern Petrol Station Workers and Rights Advocate, Comrade Ibrahim Zango in a statement on Thursday, January 8, 2026, lamented that a lot of young Nigerians who are keeping themselves busy in petrol stations may be exposed to other side of life.

“At a time when Nigeria is already grappling with mass unemployment, rising cost of living and growing insecurity, deploying job-eliminating technology without safeguards is dangerous.

“So imagine the number of AA Rano fuel stations alone, across the country and even beyond. Imagine the number of pump attendants working and earning their living from these stations.

“To us, sending us out of the job some us have been doing for decades without a robust plans will only multiply our crisis as a country,” he said.

To Zango, automation should not translate into job losses, calling on the government and relevant regulatory agencies to develop clear policies that balance innovation with workers’ welfare in the downstream petroleum sector.

He, therefore, urged the company’s leadership to remember its social responsibility to workers, stressing that many petrol station attendants today are where AA Rano chairman once started and should not be pushed out of livelihoods in the name of innovation.

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf turns 63, Kano State marks more than a personal milestone; it reflects on a defining moment in its contemporary governance – one characterised by steady leadership, deliberate choices and a visible renewal across critical sectors of development. It is an occasion that invites sober assessment – and the evidence across key developmental indices points unmistakably to progress driven by clarity of vision, political will and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people.

From the outset, Governor AKY’s administration signaled a return to governance anchored on social justice and inclusive development. Education, long acknowledged as the soul of Kano’s future, has received renewed attention. Massive investments in school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment, welfare and the revitalisation of technical and vocational institutions have begun to restore confidence in the public education system. The emphasis is not only on access, but on quality – laying the groundwork for a skilled and competitive generation.

In healthcare, the administration’s interventions have been equally transformative. Upgraded facilities, improved equipment and enhanced manpower across primary and secondary health centres are expanding access to quality care, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

These efforts are gradually yielding improved health outcomes and reaffirming government’s obligation to safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens.
Infrastructure development under Governor Yusuf has been guided by a people-first philosophy.

Strategic road construction and rehabilitation projects within the Kano metropolis and across local government areas eases movement, boosting commercial activity and reconnecting communities. Complementary urban renewal initiatives – ranging from drainage rehabilitation to environmental sanitation – are addressing long-standing challenges of congestion and flooding, making Kano a safer, more functional and livable city.

Economic empowerment remains a defining pillar of the administration. Targeted support for agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises, and youth entrepreneurship is expanding avenues for productivity and wealth creation. Farmers are benefitting from improved access to inputs and extension services, while market revitalisation efforts are reinforcing Kano’s historic status as a major commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria.

Equally noteworthy is the restoration of order, discipline and institutional integrity in governance. A renewed emphasis on fiscal prudence, workers’ welfare and respect for traditional institutions has helped stabilise the polity and rebuild public trust. The civil service is more motivated and governance is increasingly driven by rules, processes and accountability rather than impulse.

At 63, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf embodies a blend of experience, empathy and resolve. His leadership reflects an understanding that development is not measured by rhetoric, but by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary people. While challenges remain – as they inevitably do, the trajectory is clear and encouraging.

While challenges inevitably remain, the direction is unmistakable.
AKY’s birthday, therefore, is not merely a celebration of age, but a moment for Kano to acknowledge steady progress and renew confidence in a governance agenda that places people above politics. In celebrating Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano celebrates continuity, renewed hope and a future being patiently and purposefully rebuilt.

In this spirit of reflection and renewed confidence, Kano joins millions of well-wishers to congratulate His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday. It is a celebration of a life devoted to public service and of a leadership that continues to translate vision into measurable progress for the people of Kano State.

As His Excellency marks this milestone, the prayers and goodwill of the state accompany him – wishing him sound health, renewed strength and greater wisdom to sustain the noble task of governance. May the years ahead consolidate the gains already recorded and further entrench Kano on the path of stability, prosperity and inclusive development under his steady and purposeful leadership.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – H.E. AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters contributed this piece

By Our Correspondent

A group of 2,143 grain farmers in Kaduna State has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention in the form of free or subsidised farm inputs, following losses estimated at N10.16 billion during the 2025 farming season.
The farmers, spread across the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, said they were pushed to the brink by a sudden crash in maize prices nationwide, despite unprecedented increases in the cost of agricultural inputs.

Their plea was contained in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Agriculture, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the three Senators representing Kaduna state at the Senate.

The letter, written through their counsel, Barrister Ehizogie Fidelis Imadojemu, detailed how the farmers, operating under a maize farming scheme coordinated by Alhaji Rufai Muazu Dikko (popularly known as Sarkin Labar), were unable to recover production costs after harvest.

According to the farmers, the scheme, which began in 2017 with 1,000 hectares, has expanded to about 10,000 hectares cultivated by 2,143 farmers across Igabi, Soba, Kauru, Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas.

Under the arrangement, Sarkin Labar provides capital, inputs and logistics, while farmers repay him in maize after harvest and sell the remainder for income.

However, the 2025 season proved disastrous. The farmers said a 50kg bag of NPK fertiliser sold for about N60,000, while urea rose to N50,000 per bag. As a result, the total cost of cultivating one hectare of maize climbed to over N2 million from  about N1 million for the preceding year.
With an average yield of 45 bags of 100kg per hectare, the farmers said each bag needed to sell for about N44,578 to break even. Instead, the prevailing market price crashed to about N22,000 per 100kg bag. This is less than half the required recovery price, resulting in a loss of N22,577 per bag.

From the total output of about 450,000 bags harvested across the 10,000 hectares, the farmers calculated an aggregate loss of over N10.16 billion.

“With these losses, the farmers cannot afford the cost of farming next season,” the letter stated, warning that the situation reflects the wider crisis facing maize farmers across Nigeria.

The farmers cautioned that unless urgent support is provided, many producers—particularly in northern Nigeria—may abandon farming in the 2026 season, a development they say could undermine the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s food security agenda.

They are therefore requesting a bailout through the CBN in the form of free or heavily subsidised inputs such as fertiliser and urea for the 2026 farming season. In return, they proposed to reimburse the Federal Government with maize equivalent to part of the value of the inputs at the end of the season.
The farmers argued that such an intervention would stabilise grain production, boost food availability, and deliver political and economic dividends ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Only by this arrangement will our clients and many other grain farmers around the country return to their farms in the 2026 farming season,” the letter said.
They also requested an urgent meeting with government officials, noting that preparations for the next planting season would soon begin.