The Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has urged the Federal Government to investigate the delayed distribution of fertiliser to states by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Nwebonyi made the call on Saturday in his hometown, Mbeke, Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area, while distributing over 2,200 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his senatorial district.
The lawmaker stressed that the investigation should be immediate, as the delayed distribution undermines the objective of providing inputs to farmers for the 2024 farming season.
“The Senate will urge President Bola Tinubu to investigate those responsible for the delay, as these inputs, for instance, are arriving in Ebonyi when farmers are already harvesting their crops. The authorities responsible for distributing fertiliser and other farm inputs should do so between March and September to ensure bumper harvests and food security in the country,” he said.
Nwebonyi emphasized that timely distribution of inputs is crucial for farmers to plan their farming season effectively.
“The issue of fertiliser distribution through intermediaries should be re-evaluated because its inherent problems undermine the intended objectives. We just held our new yam festival, which means farmers have started harvesting yams, so where are we going to use our fertiliser now? The relevant authorities should take their responsibilities seriously because this delay is an insult to both the Senate and Nigerians,” he said.
He urged leaders and all Nigerians to engage in actions that would put the country on the right path to solving its numerous challenges.
“God will not come from heaven to put things right; the task lies with all of us,” he said.
Nwebonyi also expressed gratitude to President 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 also invested my personal funds in enhancing the wellbeing of my constituents in areas such as agriculture, skills acquisition and empowerment, education, infrastructure, and health,” he said.
The Principal Secretary to the Ebonyi Governor, Chief Mathias Adum, thanked the lawmaker for the fertiliser, noting that the people would continue to support him.
“Ebonyi will remain a reference point in agriculture in the country, as its leaders are committed to serving the people,” Adum said.
Mrs. Bridget Aleke, one of the beneficiaries, also thanked the senator for the gesture and pledged to use her ration judiciously.
