A senator has asked the federal government to institute an investigation into the delay in the distribution of the fertilisers it mandated the federal ministry of agriculture and food security to give to sub-national governments in the country. The call was made by Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator representing Ebonyi North senatorial district, who is also the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.
He said the fertilisers were distributed late, this defeating the purpose for which the federal government procured them for distribution. Nwebonyi, while distributing over 2, 200 bags of fertilisers to farmers across the senatorial district, in Mbeke, Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area, said the investigation should be immediate as the late distribution had negated the objective of making the input available to farmers in the 2024 farming season.
Assuring the people that he, as a lawmaker, would ensure that the matter was not treated with levity, said,“The Senate will prevail on President Bola Tinubu to investigate those behind the delay as the input for instance, is arriving Ebonyi when farmers are already harvesting their crops.
“The authorities saddled with distribution of fertiliser and other farm inputs should do so between March and September for bumper harvest and food security in the country.”
He said when farmers receive inputs on time it helps them plan their farming season well.
The senator said, “The issue of fertiliser distribution through intermediaries should be looked into because its inherent problems negate intended objectives.
“We just held our new yam festival which means farmers have started harvesting yams, so where are we going to use our fertilisers?
“The relevant authorities should be alive to their responsibilities because the delay is an insult to the Senate and Nigerians,” he said.
He then urged leaders and entire Nigerians to engage in acts that would put the country in the right path to solve the numerous challenges facing it.
“God will not come from heaven to put things right as the task lies with all of us.”
He thanked Tinubu for supporting farmers with agricultural incentives such as farm inputs to boost yields.
“The president donated 1,200 bags of fertiliser to each of the 109 senatorial districts in the country.
“I have injected my personal funds in enhancing the wellbeing of my constituents in the area of agriculture, skills acquisition and empowerment, education, infrastructure, health among others,” he said.
Chief Mathias Adum, Principal Secretary to the Ebonyi Governor, thanked the lawmaker for the fertiliser, noting that the people would always support him. Adum is confident that “Ebonyi will remain a reference point in agriculture in the country as its leaders are poised to serve the people.”
