By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, on Thursday handed over 16,169 liters of liquid gel fertilizer to the Benue State Government.
Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar said the fertilizer was under the National Food Security Council-Emergency Agricultural Intervention, NFSC – EAl, for states affected by 2018 conflicts.
Umar, who was represented by Mr Bashir Garga, Zonal Director, NEMA, North Central, said the fertilizer was a balance of the 2018 fertilizer meant for states affected by conflicts.
She said NEMA commenced distribution of NPK fertilizer to affected farmers in 2020.
The NEMA DG further explained that they could not continue due to the changes in the regulations by the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, PFI, which led to the termination of the contract between NEMA and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, for the supply of NPK fertilizer to beneficiaries’ States.
She said the Liquid Gel Fertilizer is being supplied as a replacement for the balance of NPK fertilizer approved for Benue State under the NFSC – EAI for states affected by 2018 conflicts.
According to her, the liquid fertilizer supplied was from certified and licensed suppliers of Liquid Gel Fertilizers.
The DG said it was the intention of President Bola Tinubu that the fertilizer would reach the beneficiaries before the expiration of the cropping season.
“Your Excellency, it is my pleasure to confirm that as of today the supply of 16,169 litres of liquid gel fertilizer for Benue State has been completed.
“I am here on behalf of the DG NEMA to formerly handover this consignment to Benue State Government for onward distribution to beneficiary farmers for their use in the current cropping season.” she said
In his speech, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NEMA for always remembering the people of Benue State especially in their difficult moments.
Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, PPS, Dr Emmanuel Chenge, Alia said the fertilizer would reach all the target people.
He said the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources would enlighten the people on its application for maximum output.
He further urged Benue people to produce what they eat especially the workers, adding that their salaries alone may not sustain them adequately.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, ES, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, said most IDPs in the state have returned to their farms.
Iorpuu said the fertilizer would greatly help the farmers to improve their agricultural produce.
Also, the Commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Prof Moses Ogbaji said the fertilizer would be tested in the laboratory to know its content.