BUA Cement distributes farm inputs to 300 displaced farmers in Sokoto

2026-03-13 - 06:06

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto BUA Cement Plc has distributed agricultural inputs to about 300 farmers resettled from their communities in Sokoto State as part of efforts to restore livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience among displaced rural households. The intervention, carried out under the company’s Sustainable Livelihood Restoration Programme on Thursday in Sokoto, drew commendation from community leaders and beneficiaries who described the initiative as a major step toward rebuilding agricultural productivity and improving living standards. Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BUA Cement Plc, Yusuf Haliru Binji, said the programme was designed to ensure that farmers displaced from their ancestral lands due to the company’s industrial expansion receive sustained support to rebuild sustainable livelihoods. According to him, the company recognises the economic impact that relocation can have on rural communities and has prioritised structured support initiatives aimed at cushioning the effects while promoting long-term prosperity. “As you are aware, the expansion of our industrial operations, particularly quarrying activities, sometimes necessitates the relocation of settlements to guarantee safety and ensure access to raw materials,” he said. Binji explained that beyond providing housing facilities for resettled communities, the company is committed to ensuring that farmers who previously depended on their land regain their sources of income and improve productivity. He noted that farmers often face challenges such as limited access to improved seeds, affordable fertilisers and modern farming tools, adding that the intervention was designed to help bridge those gaps. Represented at the event by the Assistant Director of Administration and Corporate Services, Alhaji Sada Sulaiman, the CEO further disclosed that the company recently signed a five-year development agreement covering 2025 to 2030 as part of its shared prosperity agenda with host communities. He said the framework includes support for healthcare services, scholarships for students, skills acquisition and vocational training programmes, as well as the provision of infrastructure such as roads and potable water. Earlier in his remarks, the Head of Department, Health, Community, Safety and Environment (HCSE) at BUA Cement reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strong corporate social responsibility programmes aimed at benefiting host communities and supporting sustainable development in the state. Community leaders at the event commended the company for maintaining cordial relations with its host communities. The District Head of Arkilla, Alhaji Aliyu Hassanan, said the gesture reflected the company’s consistent commitment to the welfare of surrounding communities. He assured the company of continued support and prayers for its progress while urging management to expand employment opportunities for qualified youths from host communities. “We appreciate the support we have continued to receive from BUA Cement, but we also encourage the company to create more opportunities for skilled members of our communities beyond casual labour,” he said. Also speaking, the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Hon. Farouk Dundaye, expressed appreciation to the company on behalf of the benefiting farmers, describing the initiative as a meaningful investment in rural livelihoods and agricultural development. He noted that partnerships between responsible private sector organisations and local communities remain essential for promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.