NEMA disburses fertilizer to farmers in Benue ‬

‪Abdullateef Fowewe‬

‪The National Emergency Management Agency has distributed fertilizer in Benue State to farmers affected by conflict in the state. ‬

‪The distribution occurred on Thursday, October 3, through the NEMA‬ National Food Security Council – Emergency Agricultural Intervention (NFSC-EAI) that was inaugurated in 2018.

In a statement by NEMA on Friday, NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar who was represented by the Zonal Director, NEMA North Central Zone, Bashir Idris Garga alongside the Acting Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, Hayatu. A. Shehu, said that the liquid gel was a replacement for NPK fertilizer approved for Benue State in regard to states affected by the 2018 conflict which commenced in 2020, noting that the initiative was halted due to the changes in regulation.

Umar added that the agency’s procurement and distribution of the subsequent liquid gel fertilizer (LGF) alongside critical stakeholders in the State commenced in 2024 with a total of 16,169 LGF.

The statement reads in part, “The Executive Governor of the State Alia Hyacinth appreciated the timely and continuous intervention of the Agency and assured its open door transparency where the agency can audit its distribution process.

“The governor who was represented Emergency Management Agency Sir James expressed gratitude to the President for always putting Benue in his consideration and will continue to seek collaboration with the Federal Government as it is becoming increasingly beneficial to the state.

“Stakeholders present in the distribution included: Private Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, Hon. Commissioner of Agriculture Prof. Moses Ogbaji, Hon . Commissioner for Power and Transport Barr. Omale Omale and Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Hon. Donald Kumun.”