Africa-Press – Nigeria. Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has unveiled a N16.8 billion fertilizer program aimed at repositioning the state as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse, with a promise to produce hundreds of millionaire farmers within the next two years.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the 2025 cropping season and distribution of subsidized farm inputs in Makurdi, Governor Alia announced that 9,000 metric tonnes (600 truckloads) of fertilizer NPK, Urea, and SSP will be distributed to farmers at half the market price. Farmers will pay N22,500 per bag while the government covers the balance through subsidy.
The governor said the state has also finalized plans to settle over ₦5 billion owed to genuine fertilizer suppliers from the previous year, stressing that fraudulent practices by some vendors in 2024 had caused delays.
“We want to make hundreds of millionaires from farming. Young farmers should take advantage of this support. Farming is where our money is, and it is where Benue’s pride lies,” Alia declared.
He revealed that Benue has now adopted a new agricultural calendar, ensuring wet season inputs are distributed between April and June, and dry season inputs between November and January, to give farmers timely access to resources.
Governor Alia further pledged that from December, no oranges would be exported out of the state in raw form, as Benue’s new fruit processing factory will add value locally.
He also directed that 300 bags of fertilizer be given to widows present at the event, while farmer cooperatives were urged to ensure transparent distribution.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, said the government has introduced cashless sales of fertilizer through POS terminals at accredited centers to eliminate corruption.
He added that a credible farmers’ register and hybrid digital platform were being developed to close extension service gaps and enhance transparency.
Dr. Julius Atorough, CEO of Star Fertilizer, assured farmers that adulterated fertilizer would be eliminated as his company had revived the moribund Benue Fertilizer Plant to produce crop-specific fertilizers for the state.
The Benue State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Shimawua, and the Ter Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, both commended the initiative, describing it as timely support that would boost production and restore farmers’ confidence in security across rural areas.
The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting, music, and cultural displays.
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has unveiled a N16.8 billion fertilizer programme aimed at repositioning the state as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse, with a promise to produce hundreds of millionaire farmers within the next two years.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the 2025 cropping season and distribution of subsidized farm inputs in Makurdi, Governor Alia announced that 9,000 metric tonnes (600 truckloads) of fertilizer — NPK, Urea, and SSP — will be distributed to farmers at half the market price. Farmers will pay N22,500 per bag while the government covers the balance through subsidy.
The governor said the state has also finalized plans to settle over N5 billion owed to genuine fertilizer suppliers from the previous year, stressing that fraudulent practices by some vendors in 2024 had caused delays.
“We want to make hundreds of millionaires from farming. Young farmers should take advantage of this support. Farming is where our money is, and it is where Benue’s pride lies,” Alia declared.
He revealed that Benue has now adopted a new agricultural calendar, ensuring wet-season inputs are distributed between April and June, and dry-season inputs between November and January, to give farmers timely access to resources.
Governor Alia further pledged that from December, no oranges would be exported out of the state in raw form, as Benue’s new fruit processing factory will add value locally. He also directed that 300 bags of fertilizer be given to widows present at the event, while farmer cooperatives were urged to ensure transparent distribution.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, said the government has introduced cashless sales of fertilizer through POS terminals at accredited centers to eliminate corruption. He added that a credible farmers’ register and hybrid digital platform were being developed to close extension-service gaps and enhance transparency.
Dr. Julius Atorough, CEO of Star Fertilizer, assured farmers that adulterated fertilizer would be eliminated as his company had revived the moribund Benue Fertilizer Plant to produce crop-specific fertilizers for the state.
The Benue State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Shimawua, and the Ter Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, both commended the initiative, describing it as timely support that would boost production and restore farmers’ confidence in security across rural areas.
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