The Kebbi State Government has vehemently refuted allegations of distributing substandard, sand-contaminated fertilizers to farmers, characterizing the claims as false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to smear the reputation of Governor Nasir Idris’s administration. Commissioner for Agriculture, Sheahu Ma’azu, addressed the press in Birnin Kebbi, expressing profound disappointment over the accusations and categorically denying any involvement in the procurement or distribution of adulterated fertilizers. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing genuine, high-quality fertilizers directly to farmers, free of charge, to bolster agricultural productivity and food security in the state.
Ma’azu clarified the fertilizer procurement process, stating that the Kebbi State Government did not award any contracts for fertilizer procurement. Instead, it opted for direct procurement from reputable indigenous companies to ensure quality control and transparency. He identified Maccat Agro Limited, Danmadami Fertiliser Blending Plant, and Contect as the three companies engaged for fertilizer supply to the state government, while Mairiga Company was responsible for supplies to local governments. This direct engagement with established companies, according to Ma’azu, underscores the government’s dedication to providing farmers with authentic and effective agricultural inputs.
The commissioner attributed the false allegations to members of the African Democratic Congress, urging opposition parties to exercise due diligence and verify information before disseminating it publicly. He stressed that misleading farmers with unsubstantiated claims could jeopardize the government’s efforts to enhance agricultural output and food security. He appealed to farmers and residents to disregard the misinformation, reiterating Governor Idris’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers with genuine, high-quality inputs.
Ma’azu further highlighted the governor’s comprehensive agricultural support initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ incomes and solidifying Kebbi State’s status as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria. He underscored the importance of these initiatives in driving economic growth and ensuring food security within the state. By providing free, quality fertilizers, the government aims to empower farmers, boost agricultural yields, and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of Kebbi State.
The commissioner characterized the allegations as baseless, unfair, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the government’s efforts in the agricultural sector. He urged the people of Kebbi State to distance themselves from such falsehoods and trust in the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. The direct procurement strategy, he reiterated, was designed to prevent any compromise on the quality of fertilizers supplied to farmers, unlike the previous administration which engaged contractors, potentially opening the door for substandard products.
In conclusion, the Kebbi State Government has emphatically denied allegations of distributing substandard fertilizers, emphasizing its commitment to providing high-quality agricultural inputs directly to farmers free of charge. The commissioner’s detailed explanation of the procurement process, identification of the supplying companies, and highlighting of the governor’s agricultural support initiatives aim to reassure the public and counter the damaging misinformation. He called for responsible information dissemination, stressing the potential negative impact of false claims on the government’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security in Kebbi State. He urged the public to disregard the baseless allegations and trust in the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening the state’s agricultural sector.
