By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor
Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched a major initiative to support farmers by distributing various brands of fertilizer through members of the National Assembly.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, each House of Representatives member received 600 bags of fertilizer, while Senators received between 1,600 and 1,800 bags each. Priced at ₦75,000 per bag, these fertilizers are intended to boost crop yields and enhance food security across the nation.
Regrettably, investigations reveal that, despite the pressing nature of this initiative, many lawmakers have not yet distributed the fertilizers to farmers. As the main farming season comes to a close, concern is mounting among farmers who expected these crucial supplies from their representatives.
On a positive note, some lawmakers nationwide have fulfilled their commitments, while others remain silent, leaving their constituents in rural areas without this essential agricultural support.
Focusing on our dear state of Enugu, I will refrain from detailing the troubling reports emerging from Anambra, Edo, and Cross River, where certain lawmakers have withheld fertilizer from farmers. Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS), responsible for investigating the delivery and distribution of these fertilizers, continues its work, while the media maintains its constitutional duty to hold these lawmakers accountable.
In Enugu State, certain lawmakers have indeed distributed the allocated bags. Leading the charge is Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu (LP), representing the Enugu North and South Federal Constituency. Investigations confirm that Atu not only distributed his allocated 600 bags but also included an additional 200 bags, ensuring that rural farmers received ample support. His hands-on approach guaranteed that only genuine farmers benefited, blocking potential exploitation by middlemen.
Similarly, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (PDP), representing Awgu, Aninri, and Oji River, along with Hon. Mark Obetta (LP) from Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South, have also distributed their 600-bag allocations to rural farmers. Both lawmakers took part in the distribution process, even paying extra charges to facilitate proper delivery, which is commendable.
Currently, this means that five out of the eight House of Representatives members in Enugu have yet to allocate their share of fertilizers. As a journalist, I remain ready to provide updates once any of their aides document evidence of distribution.
On the Senate front, only Senator Ngwu (PDP) has successfully distributed fertilizers to farmers, receiving praise from many constituents for this action.
The silence from remaining senators raises concerns about whether they have retained their fertilizers or if they have been diverted. Whispers suggest that some aides to these lawmakers may have sold off portions of the fertilizers; it remains unclear whether the lawmakers themselves are aware of this misconduct. If true, this could indicate a serious misappropriation of resources intended for farmers’ benefit, raising urgent questions about accountability.
Although the main farming season appears to be winding down, hope persists for some farmers, particularly those engaged in irrigation and cassava cultivation, as the cassava season is still active and NPK fertilizer is particularly beneficial for this crop. Additionally, vegetable farmers preparing for dry-season planting could utilize the remaining fertilizers. Lawmakers who have yet to distribute their allocations can still ensure that these essential supplies reach those in need.
This report stems from investigations conducted in December 2023, revealing that all House of Representatives members received ₦100 million from the Federal Government to purchase approximately 1,800 bags of 25kg rice, while Senators received ₦200 million each. While some lawmakers, particularly those who distributed their fertilizers, allocated funds as intended, many others have yet to deliver the rice to their communities.
As such, it is evident that many lawmakers have failed to distribute either the fertilizer or the rice, undermining the Federal Government’s agricultural initiatives aimed at improving food security. It is essential that lawmakers act swiftly to ensure these resources reach the farmers who depend on them.
