Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State has announced a strategic partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the state government to supply petroleum free of charge to farmers for irrigation purposes.

Governor Idris made this announcement during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress, APC, camping for the by-election in Yauri/Shanga/Naski federal constituency, held in Shanga Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

“The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has concluded arrangements to supply petrol to farmers for dry season farming free of charge,” declared Governor Idris.

He stated that discussions with the former governor and current Minister of Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, resulted in an agreement to provide petroleum to farmers, saying that the initiative aims to bolster farming activities across the state and promote food security.

Governor Idris also disclosed plans to distribute 12,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers, with 6,000 already distributed, to increase crop yields.

Additionally, the state government is set to purchase 20,000 units of compressed natural gas-powered water pumps as a backup to the solar pumps, to increase the number of benefiting farmers in the state.

Governor Idris, while encouraging farmers to redouble their efforts, stated that their contributions would play a crucial role in maintaining Kebbi State’s lead in food production, contributing to national food security.

Idris encouraged the people of Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski federal constituency to come out and vote for the APC candidate in the forthcoming by-election to record more dividends of democracy.

The APC chairman in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, presented the APC candidate, Alhaji Garba Umar-Uba, to the governor, who formally flagged off the campaign by presenting the party’s flag to the candidate in a symbolic gesture.