FCTA Warns Against Diversion as 6,800 Fertiliser Bags Reach FCT Farmers

News in Brief:

— The FCT administration has released 6,800 bags of Federal Government-donated fertiliser for distribution to verified farmers across the six area councils.

— Authorities warned against diversion and favouritism, saying the exercise will be monitored to ensure the inputs reach genuine farmers on the approved beneficiary list.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has released 6,800 bags of fertiliser donated by the Federal Government for distribution to verified farmers across the region's six area councils.

The fertiliser, provided through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was handed over on Thursday by the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to the FCT chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

This intervention could soften the impact of rising agricultural input costs, support food production and strengthen food security during the current farming season.

FCTA Warns Against Diversion

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Tungan Maje, Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, directed that the fertiliser be distributed strictly to genuine farmers on the verified beneficiary list submitted to NADF.

Ango, who was represented by the Acting Director of Agricultural Services, Kongoli Mustapha, stated that the secretariat would monitor the exercise and sanction individuals or groups found diverting the inputs.

He warned against favouritism or bypassing the approved distribution process, stressing that the fertiliser was intended specifically for verified farmers.

AFAN Pledges Transparent Distribution

The Chairman of AFAN, FCT Chapter, Dr Perpetual Okafor, pledged that the association would ensure the fertiliser was distributed transparently and that only verified farmers benefited.

She described the intervention as timely support for farmers facing increased production costs and said the fertiliser would provide a boost during the current farming season.

Ango thanked the Federal Government and NADF for providing the agricultural inputs, claiming that the intervention would help ease some of the financial pressures facing farmers.

He also highlighted ongoing rural road construction across the FCT, saying that improved road networks were helping farmers transport produce to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.

The official appealed to farmers to remain patient as the administration works to expand agricultural support, including improved extension services and other interventions aimed at increasing productivity.