Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion

Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion.

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor of Borno State Babagana Zulum has warned that anyone who diverts fertilizer will be prosecuted no matter how highly placed.

In his speech while flagging off the sales of fertilizer in the state recently, the governor asserted that no resident would be spared, “no matter how highly placed,” the repercussions of flouting his directive.

Zulum noted that he is aware of the “risks” associated with the diversion of the commodity, which is why he is emphasizing that any form of diversion of fertilizer in the state by anyone high or low in the state will be punished.

He called on the intelligence agencies to wake up to their responsibilities by ensuring that all culprits are arrested and prosecuted for daring to divert the commodity within or outside the state.

“Culprits shall be dealt with, specifically those who are not farmers but intend to use proxies to get the commodities for any form of usage.

“I hereby call on traditional and community leaders to be very vigilant during this distribution of the fertilizers, which should be given to only registered members. All farmers must register to partake in the sales, which will be done at 50 percent of the price.

“Let me add that this government will stop at nothing to empower farmers in the state to achieve all their potential, which is why it is only fertilizers that will be sold at 50 percent prices. Other implements would be given free to them.” Said Zulum.

It is a known fact that insurgents are in desperate need of fertilizers, especially urea, which is used to assist them in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used to cause havoc to both civilians and the military in the 15-year-old conflict that has plagued the Northeastern region of Nigeria.

Tackling restrictions over farmlands

The governor expressed dissatisfaction over the back-and-forth some residents have been having with security agencies over their ancestral farmlands, in which they have been restricted from farming.

“I want you to report anybody who stops you as farmers from farming anywhere in the state. Such decisions can only be given by the state security council and nobody else. Nobody can take such a decision without consulting us at the security council.

“As long as you have clearance from us, you are free to farm anywhere. Ensure you have the clearance, which I can assure you nobody can deny you as long as we have given you clearance,” said Zulum.

The governor maintained that his government was on course in going into private partnership with a private investor to maintain the continuous functionality of the state fertilizer plant, which has remained comatose for some time now.

Making his remarks as the Chair of the agricultural transformation committee, the secretary to the state government, Tijani Bukar, assured that they will work with the World Food Programme to ensure that the sector is moved from where it is now to where it should be in the nearest future.

He hinted that the governor is worried about the recovery by returnee farmers who have lost virtually everything to the tragedy of the 15-year insurgency, which is why he is doing all he can to make them achieve the concept of recovery, which should make them happy.

Counting the blessings of the recovery program, the SSG said that Monguno was a typical example of a council area that superseded its expectations beyond all imagination.

“We have been achieving results so far. Monguno alone generated over N50 billion from beans alone in 2024. And this occurs because of the complementarity from the government.

“The concepts of resilience, recovery, and seed capital are key factors that the government will continue with to ensure that all registered farmers will prosper in the business of food security.

“Let me assure you that nobody should express any fear of any source because as long as you are a conscious farmer, you will get what is due to you as support for being a farmer.” Said Alhaji Bukar.

Commissioner of Agriculture Bawa Musari stated that in spite of all the challenges farmers have experienced in the state, he has not lost hope for their future but believes in the greenery of the entire state before the end of the farming season.

He called on Governor Professor Zulum to do all he can in his power to revitalize the fertilizer plant, which is a vital asset in the green revolution of the entire state.

Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion