By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has procured 600 truckloads of fertilizer ranging from NPK, Urea, and SSP -valued at ₦16.8 billion for Benue farmers in the 2025 farming season.
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, at the formal launch of the distribution program in Makurdi on Wednesday, pledged sweeping reforms meant to restore integrity in agricultural input supply.
“My administration’s aim is to reposition Benue as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse”.
Governor Alia who explained that the late flag-off was as a result of investigations into fraudulent practices by some suppliers during the 2024 season in the delivery of substandard products and round-tripping, assured genuine contractors that over ₦5 billion owed to them would be fully settled by the end of October.
The State Government has procured 9,000 metric tonnes of fertilizers (600 truckloads) – including NPK, Urea, and SSP – valued at ₦16.8 billion for the 2025 season. Of this amount, the state is providing a ₦8.1 billion subsidy, making fertilizers available to farmers at ₦22,500 per bag. Governor Alia said this demonstrates his administration’s determination to make agriculture the bedrock of wealth creation in Benue.
“To prevent past abuses, payments will be through cashless system. All transactions will to be carried out through POS terminals at accredited centers. Farmers’ payments will go directly to suppliers, while the state promptly covers its subsidy obligations after due reconciliation. Cooperatives will be required to submit detailed beneficiary lists, and divisional agricultural officers will no longer handle payments, but instead supervise compliance”.
The Governor also unveiled a new agricultural calendar to ensure timely distribution of inputs: wet season supplies will henceforth be released between April and June, while dry season distributions will take place between November and January. He stressed that this approach will maximize yields and guarantee year-round farming.
The governor who noted that Benue remains Nigeria’s number one soybean producer and must retain its leadership position, pointed out Benue’s comparative advantage, and pledged continued support for soybean and rice production, aligning with the federal government’s national soybean expansion strategy.
“From December 2025, no raw oranges will leave Benue State, as the new fruit processing factory will enable value addition and generate jobs. Similar processing initiatives will follow for other produce”, Gov. Alia added.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, while praising Governor Alia’s investment in subsidized farm inputs, described the initiative as a boost to Benue’s food security.
The Commissioner urged farmers to use the fertilizers and seeds judiciously, avoid black-market sales, and adopt modern practices to maximize yields. He also assured that payments to 2024 suppliers are being processed and will soon be concluded.
At the event, Star Fertilizer and Chemical Companies Ltd CEO, Julius Atorough, assured farmers that adulterated inputs were now a “thing of the past” following the revival of the state-owned fertilizer plant. He promised quality, soil-specific fertilizers for Benue farmers, produced locally to keep money circulating within the state.
