In a bold move to strengthen food security and promote self-reliance, Bauchi State government has approved two work-free days per week for civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below to enable them engage in farming activities during the 2025 wet season.
LEADERSHIP reports that the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to boost agricultural productivity and combat rising food inflation.
Governor Bala Mohammed disclosed this over the weekend during the official flag-off ceremony of the 2025 Wet Season Farming and Fertiliser Sales in Alkaleri.
He said the decision reflects his administration’s firm belief in agriculture as a critical pillar for sustainable development and economic empowerment, especially in rural communities.
“We are committed to reviving agriculture and ensuring that our people have access to affordable food. That is why we have approved two days off every week for civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below to cultivate their farms,” the governor said.
He added, “We believe this will not only support individual households but will also contribute meaningfully to the state’s food security drive.”
Governor Mohammed also revealed the subsidised sale of fertiliser at ₦20,000 per bag to ease access for farmers.
He said the government had procured 40 tractors and other farm inputs to support mechanised farming and planned to train 1,000 youths in various agricultural practices across all 20 local government areas of the state.
It should be recalled that last year, Bauchi also approved two days of leave for workers to cultivate crops to support their families.
Some of the civil servants interviewed commended the governor for his foresight, adding that the two days off will go a long way toward helping farmers give ample time to maximise yields.
They pleaded with the governor to give civil servants a special subsidy on fertiliser sales.
