The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh, has announced plans by the Federal Government to withdraw subsidy for fertiliser procurement in Nigeria.
The Minister who announced the decision at the West Africa Fertilizer Stakeholders forum said that the government decision was made to encourage private sector participation in the fertilizer value chain.
“Government is withdrawing from direct procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs to assume a new role of facilitator, regulator and quality control, with enhanced private sector participation in the fertilizer value chain,” he said.
“I appreciate the appropriateness of the theme of this Forum: ‘Scaling up Quality and Adapted Fertilizer Supply in West Africa’, bearing in mind that the drive for increased agricultural production and productivity in this sub-region cannot be attained without laying emphasis on improving access to key agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers and quality seeds.
“This Forum provides us another opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made over the years with respect to the implementation of planned actions and policies in order to sustainably make fertilizers available, accessible and affordable to our farmers across the West African sub-region.”
He said there were plans to ensure that farmers access loans at single digit rates to meet the growing demands for agricultural produce.
The Minister also appreciated USAID, IFDC, AFAP and ECOWAS for their respective roles in convening this forum including technical, funding and logistical support towards the organization of this event.
The Director of USAID Nigeria, Michael Harvey, and Director of IFDC West and North African Division, Robert Groot, suggested the increased lending to farmers.
They also called on the government to ensure that members of the private sector were involved in the distribution of fertiliser.
The Speakers noted that this would provide income for farmers and ensure food security for all.
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