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Nigerian Farmers Say Fertilizer Reform May Hurt, Not Help
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian farmers are warning that President Bola Tinubu’s new fertilizer initiative could make production more expensive instead of cheaper, raising fears of higher food prices across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The federal government recently announced a plan to reform the fertilizer distribution system, aiming to improve supply and boost agricultural productivity. But farmers say the program may limit access and push up prices, especially for small-scale producers who already struggle to buy inputs.
“The intention is good, but the way it is designed will hurt farmers,” said Musa Ibrahim, a rice grower in Kano. “If fertilizer becomes more costly, food will also become more costly. Ordinary Nigerians will suffer.”
Farmers fear new costs
Under the new initiative, the government wants to centralize fertilizer sales and work with a few approved suppliers. Officials say this will cut corruption and ensure quality products reach farmers.
But farmer groups argue that fewer suppliers will reduce competition and raise prices. Many also worry about delays in distribution during the planting season.
“We have seen this before,” said Aisha Adamu, a maize farmer in Kaduna. “When government controls the market too much, we face shortages. We end up buying from middlemen at very high prices.”
Several farmer associations have already sent letters to the Ministry of Agriculture, asking for urgent consultations.
Government defends program
The presidency insists the plan is designed to help farmers in the long term. A spokesperson said Tinubu’s administration is committed to supporting food security and reducing dependence on imports.
“We are working to make fertilizers affordable, accessible and of the highest quality,” the spokesperson said. “The president will not take decisions that harm farmers. This is a reform to strengthen the sector.”
Officials argue that past subsidy programs were abused by politicians and large dealers who diverted fertilizers away from farmers. The new system, they say, will stop such leakages and make sure real farmers benefit.
Rising food inflation
The debate comes as Nigerians struggle with rising food inflation, which has been among the highest in recent years. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food prices have climbed steadily due to currency devaluation, insecurity in farming areas, and transport costs.
Economists warn that any further increase in fertilizer prices could worsen inflation and deepen hunger. Nigeria relies heavily on fertilizer for crops such as rice, maize, and sorghum, which are staples for millions of households.
“Input costs directly affect food prices,” said analyst Chinedu Eze. “If farmers cannot afford fertilizer, they will harvest less. That means less food in the market and higher prices for everyone.”
Calls for dialogue
Agricultural experts are urging the government to hold talks with farmers before fully implementing the initiative. They suggest a mixed system where private dealers can still compete while the government ensures quality standards.
“Farmers must be part of the decision-making,” said Dr. Fatima Lawal, an agriculture policy researcher. “If they are excluded, the policy will fail, no matter how well designed.”
For now, many farmers say they will wait and see how the program is rolled out. But some warn that if the cost of fertilizer jumps before the next planting season, protests and supply disruptions could follow.
“We cannot farm without fertilizer,” said Ibrahim, the Kano rice farmer. “If the price is too high, some of us will stop farming. Then the whole country will feel it.”
The Tinubu administration has not announced when the new fertilizer initiative will officially begin.
As Nigeria faces food shortages and rising costs, the outcome of this policy could shape the country’s food security for years to come.
In the ongoing ₦7.8 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness has provided testimony regarding massive cash deposits made on his behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Key points from the testimony of the third prosecution witness, Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, include:
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Cash Deposits: Agulu testified that he deposited billions of naira in cash on behalf of the former CBN chief, with the funds delivered to him by Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.
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Account Handling: According to the witness, the money was either deposited into accounts for Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifeabigo Integrated Services or placed in the bank’s vault, following instructions allegedly relayed through Ocheme.
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Banking Procedures: Despite the large sums, Agulu maintained that he followed standard banking procedures, noting that some clients were granted verbal waivers by senior officials to deposit large amounts of cash.
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Refusal to Name Officials: When asked to identify the senior bank officials who provided these verbal waivers, Agulu declined to provide names to avoid getting anyone in trouble.
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Additional Transactions: Agulu also testified that he supervised a transfer of ₦1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on eight counts, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of properties allegedly linked to proceeds of crime; Emefiele has entered a plea of not guilty. Eric Ocheme, who was named in the charges, is reported to be at large. Justice Yusuf Halilu has adjourned the trial for continuation on November 3, 4, and 5, 2026.
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“From Political Firebrand To Top Diplomat: Fani-Kayode’s Strategic Southern African Move!”
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence for his role as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Fani-Kayode announced the news on Tuesday, noting that the appointment followed the approval of the required agrément.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Letters of Credence were presented to him on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. Fani-Kayode stated that he is preparing to report to Pretoria to present his letters to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and begin his diplomatic duties. Reflecting on his appointment, the former minister—who served in the aviation sector two decades ago—expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and requested prayers for his success in this new role.
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“I’ll Kill For Her!” Kunle Fawole Drops Shocking Bombshell About Ex-Flame Yvonne Jegede!.
Nollywood actor Kunle Abounce Fawole recently opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Yvonne Jegede, in an interview with Chude Jideonwu. While confirming that he no longer holds romantic feelings for her, Fawole emphasized that he maintains a deep sense of responsibility and respect for her as the mother of his son. He expressed a desire to avoid enmity, noting that he would never turn his back on someone he once cared for, and firmly declared his willingness to protect her from harm at all costs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwu, Kunle Abounce Fawole reflected on his past marriage to Yvonne Jegede. When asked about his current feelings, the actor clarified that while the romantic spark is gone, his protective instincts remain strong. Fawole shared that he prefers to take the blame for past relationship struggles to avoid bitterness, stating that he refuses to harbor grudges. Ultimately, he underscored his commitment to her safety, asserting that he would go to extreme lengths—even potentially resorting to violence—to defend the mother of his child.
Option 3: Short & Punchy
Kunle Abounce Fawole has made it clear that while his romantic chapter with ex-wife Yvonne Jegede is closed, his dedication to her protection is unwavering. During a recent interview, the actor revealed he has no room for bitterness toward past partners. Though he no longer loves her romantically, he stressed that his status as the father of her son drives him to act as her fiercest defender, even going so far as to say he would “kill” for her if she were ever threatened.
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