The Benue State Government has procured 600 truckloads of fertilisers worth ₦16.8 billion to support farmers in the 2025 farming season.
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, speaking at the official distribution launch in Makurdi, said the initiative is part of his administration’s reforms to restore transparency and position Benue as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse.
The fertilisers, comprising NPK, Urea, and SSP, total 9,000 metric tonnes. To ease access, the state has provided an ₦8.1 billion subsidy, which reduces the market cost to ₦22,500 per bag for farmers.
Governor Alia explained that the delay in the flag-off was due to investigations into fraudulent practices in the 2024 season, where substandard products and round-tripping were uncovered.
He assured that genuine suppliers owed over ₦5 billion would be fully paid by October.
To prevent future abuses, the governor announced that all payments will now be processed through a cashless system using POS machines at accredited centres.
Farmers’ payments will go directly to suppliers, while the government covers its subsidy obligations.
He also introduced a new agricultural calendar that will ensure the timely distribution of inputs: April to June for wet season farming, and November to January for dry season farming. According to him, this system will maximise yields and guarantee year-round food production.
Highlighting Benue’s position as Nigeria’s leading soybean producer, the governor pledged continued support for soybean and rice production, aligning with the federal government’s national soybean expansion strategy.
He further revealed that by December 2025, no raw oranges would leave the state, as a new fruit processing factory will begin operations to add value and create jobs.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, commended the initiative and described it as a step towards food security in Benue.
He urged farmers to use the subsidised inputs responsibly and adopt modern farming practices.
Source: Authority News
Image Credit: Nairaland
