September 19, (THEWILL) — The Benue State Government has approved N5bn for the settlement of contractors who supplied fertilizer to farmers during the 2024 farming season.
Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this on Wednesday while flagging off the distribution of fertilizer and other inputs to farmers in Makurdi.
He, however, vowed to recover funds from fraudulent contractors.
“Those who did a good job will have their payments completed between now and October.
Through investigations, government identified the genuine suppliers who delivered quality fertilizer to the state. I thank you for your patience and understanding with my administration,” the governor said.
Alia explained that the state decided to patronise Star Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited, an indigenous firm, to prevent capital flight.
He commended the company’s Managing Director, Julius Atorough Tyough, for maintaining high production standards.
The governor also appealed to citizens to protect the state’s reputation as the “Food Basket of the Nation” and to promote peace and unity.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, cautioned farmers against selling subsidised farm inputs to black marketers, stressing that the initiative was designed to support genuine farmers and boost productivity.
He praised the governor’s commitment to food security and urged farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices.
Mr Tyough, in his address, pledged to end the circulation of adulterated fertilizer in Benue, assuring farmers of products suited to the state’s soil.
He added that depots had been set up across Benue to ensure availability.
Under the arrangement, a bag of fertilizer will sell for N22,500, while 9,000 tonnes, equivalent to 600 trucks of Urea, NPK 20:20, and SSP will be distributed this season.
