THE Federal Government in Abuja has resolved to go tough on fake fertiliser producers as they have been selling the commodity to unsuspecting farmers who have raised alarm over the damages done to their farmlands and produce. Farmers at work This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Architect Sony Echono, who was represented by Director, Federal Fertiliser Department, Akinbobola Osho, at the official launch of ‘Establishment and Implementation of Fertilizer Quality Control System in Nigeria’ in Abuja. He said that some people were arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State, who were selling adulterated fertilisers to farmers, and were handed over to the Police, who are handing the case as criminal. The Permanent Secretary further stated that the Fertiliser Bill at the National Assembly has provisions for clamping down on perpetrators and punish them accordingly, and also expressed confidence that the bill would be passed into law by the 8th Assembly. He said: “It has become necessary for the ministry to embark on this initiative supported by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA, to develop a regulatory framework for quality checks and enforcement to ensure that farmers access quality fertilizers. “In this regard, the obligation of the Government under the policy statement is to ensure and enforce quality control of fertiliser through the establishment and enforcement of a market-friendly, legal and regulatory framework that is adopted, legislated and implemented by the Ministry. “Federal Government inspectors to undertake periodic quality control at the fertilizer production plants, ports of discharge and market outlets Fertilizer samples to be drawn by inspection officials for laboratory analysis. “Penalty to be imposed on relevant aspects of the framework, such offences include but are not limited to plant nutrient deficiencies, misbranding, adulteration, short weight of bags, bagging quality, operating without certificate of registration or with expired certificate of registration. “The Ministry is serious on regulation of production, distribution and use of fertiliser products across the country. Some fake fertiliser producers were arrested in Minna, Niger State, following the unwholesome business of selling the product to farmers. This case is being handled by the Nigerian Police as criminal one right now. NAFDAC and SON will be the agencies to test fertilisers produced in the country when the Fertiliser Bill is passed into law. “It is pertinent to inform you that AGRA is supporting the Ministry in the following areas: Consultancies, Capacities building: Human, office materials and infrastructure, Laboratory Equipment and reagents, and Communication facilities.” He also added that the ministry has embarked on creating public awareness on the quality of fertilisers for farmers to identify the genuine fertiliser from the fake one when they go for purchase. However, there were goodwill messages from development partners like AGRA, IFDC, USAID, ECOWAS, and the National Assembly, where they expressed support for the passage of the Fertiliser Bill, and quality fertilisers for farmers.
