The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday 3rd October 2024 distributed the outstanding balance of fertilizer in Benue State on the 3rd October to farmers affected by conflict through the program:*NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY COUNCIL – EMERGENCY AGRICULTURAL INTERVENTION (NFSC-EAI) which was inaugurated in 2018.
Director General NEMA Mrs. Zubaida Umar said that the liquid gel was a replacement of NPK fertilizer approved for Benue State in regards to states affected by 2018 conflict which commenced in 2020. However, the initiative was halted due to the changes in regulation.
The DG added that 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 DG was represented by the Zonal Director, NEMA North Central Zone, Bashir Idris Garga alongside the Acting Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, Hayatu. A. Shehu.
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 it’s distribution process. The governor who was represented the Executive Secretary of Benue state State 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.
