By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi ,
In a visit heavy with symbolism and policy signalling, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu undertook a day long working tour of Kebbi State, commissioning key projects, engaging farmers and security personnel, and reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to food security and rural prosperity.
The President, who was received at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport by Governor Nasir Idris and other top officials, declared that agricultural expansion in north-western would remain central to the administration’s economic recovery agenda.
“If we secure food, we secure the nation. Kebbi is not just a state it is a national food basket, and we will invest accordingly,” Tinubu said at a civic reception in Birnin Kebbi.
Commissioning and Inspection
During the visit, the President commissioned a newly completed irrigation expansion corridor designed to boost year round rice cultivation, alongside road upgrades linking farming clusters to urban markets.
The projects are expected to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen supply chains across the North-West.
He also inspected ongoing mechanised farming schemes supported by federal intervention programmes.
Local farmers demonstrated harvesting equipment and improved seedlings, while agricultural cooperatives appealed for fertiliser price stabilisation and rural storage facilities.
Tinubu assured stakeholders that targeted subsidies and credit access for smallholder farmers would be strengthened.
“We are moving from subsistence to agribusiness. Our goal is productivity, export value and stable food prices,” he said.
Security Briefing
The President later held a closed-door session with military and security commanders in the state, where he received updates on ongoing operations across border communities.
He praised troops for “restoring confidence to farming communities” and reiterated that economic growth depended on sustained security.
Officials disclosed that expanded surveillance and community intelligence partnerships would be rolled out to protect farmlands ahead of the next planting season.
Engagement with Traditional and Community Leaders
At a separate meeting with traditional rulers, the President emphasised local participation in governance and conflict resolution, particularly in herder-farmer relations.
Governor Idris described the visit as “historic and reassuring,” noting that federal presence had boosted investor confidence in agriculture and commerce.
“Kebbi is ready to partner with the federal government to transform rural economies and create jobs for our youth,” the governor said.
Political and Economic Signals
Analysts say the visit underscores the administration’s renewed focus on food production as a stabilising pillar for inflation control.
By prioritising irrigation, mechanisation and rural infrastructure, the government aims to reduce reliance on imports and cushion urban consumers from price shocks.
For residents, however, expectations remain practical better roads, affordable fertilisers, and sustained peace.
As the presidential convoy departed the state capital at dusk, traders and farmers alike expressed cautious optimism that promises made on the campaign trail were beginning to take shape on the ground as part of the activity which took place.
