Radda Warns Against Diversion of 100,800 Bags of Fertilizer from the Federal Government to N'west Farmers

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Dikko Umaru Radda, Chairman of the North‑West Governors’ Forum, cautioned that the 100,800 bags of fertilizer earmarked for 25,200 smallholder farmers in the region’s seven states should not be diverted or sold by the Federal Government.

He made the warning on Saturday at the official launch of the free fertilizer program, funded by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), while also serving as Governor of Katsina State.

The program, named the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme for the North‑West zone, will see sanctions imposed on anyone who manipulates the intervention, according to Radda.

Radda said: “We shall not tolerate diversion, manipulation or any form of abuse of this laudable intervention by Mr. President. People should be aware that this fertiliser is not for sale. It is going to get to the hands of small farmers free of charge.”

Radda instructed the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and other relevant stakeholders to guarantee transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the distribution.

He described the scheme as a strategic intervention designed to increase productivity, strengthen food security, and support smallholder farmers throughout the North‑West region.

He added that the first phase of the program will distribute 100,800 bags of fertilizer to 25,200 farmers in the seven North‑West states.

He noted that Katsina State received 20,180 of those bags, intended for 5,045 smallholder farmers spread across its 34 local government areas.

The governor said the intervention arrives at a critical point in the farming season, promising higher yields, increased household incomes, and a boost to national food security.

He added that his administration has distributed 400,000 bags of fertilizer each year for the past three years and has already delivered this year’s allocation to farmers.

He highlighted investments in irrigation, mechanisation, and youth agricultural training, citing the revitalisation of the Songhai Integrated Farm Centre and the provision of over 400 tractors and other equipment throughout the state.

He urged farmers to adopt modern, climate‑smart practices, stressing that agriculture should be viewed as a profitable enterprise that can transform communities and drive economic growth.