National Fertilizer Act: FG targets increased GDP
By Nneka Nwogwugwu, Abuja
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono has reiterated the relevance of the Agricultural sector in the Nation’s economy, saying that it targets an increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Nanono said, ‘’As at 2018, the agric sector contributed about 21.2% of the GDP and records about 88% of non-oil foreign exchange earnings. 70% of active labour are employed in the Agric sector.
The minister stated this in Abuja on Tuesday during the Public presentation of the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act 2019.
He said that it is a vital component of the Agricultural Policy of the present Administration and will help to reposition Nigeria economy from oil and gas to agribusiness.
Nanono explained that the Act which was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, will safeguard and protect the interest of the entire Fertilizer value chain players such as manufacturers, producers, blenders, importers, distributors and the end user farmers in Nigeria.
He noted that the Act would provide an enabling environment for Fertilizer enterprises to grow including the protection of investment in the agric sector and assured that farmers will get value for every kobo spent on buying Fertilizer for their farms.
According to him, “the Act therefore seeks to ensure that maximum benefits are derived from each kilogram of Fertilizer bought and used by the farmers in terms nutrients composition and levels.
‘’the quick assent to the fertilizer Act by Mr. President goes to show the importance and commitment he attaches to the agricultural sector in general and his desire to help protect the investments of the Nigerian farmers, through the provision of this regulatory framework aimed at guaranteeing the supply and distribution of quality fertilizers and other farm inputs to farmers across the country at their doorsteps, at the right time, right place and right prices,’’ he added.
Among the prohibited activities to be controlled by the Act include, operating or carrying on fertilizer business as a manufacturer, blender, importer or distributor in Nigeria with an expired permit or certificate of registration, selling any fertilizer supplement that contains destructive ingredients or properties harmful to plant growth.
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The Act also provided that they should be proper documentation and licensing of all the players in the fertilizer value chain from the manufacturers, producers, blenders, importers, distributors to the end user farmers to ensure traceability and accountability in the fertilizer delivery process.
He acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders including Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Nigeria Agricultural Business Group (NABG), Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Nigeria Agro-Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) and other relevant stakeholders for their immeasurable support and inputs in ensuring the actualization of this age-long dream of establishing a fertilizer regulatory system for Nigeria.
Earlier speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Abdulkadir Mua’zu said that the legal and regulatory framework for Fertilizer Quality Control would enable Fertilizer Inspectors of Farm Inputs Support services Department (FISSD) of the Ministry undertake periodic quality control and assessment to fertilizer production plants, ports of discharge and market outlets to ensure compliance.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator, Abdullahi Adamu noted that Nigerian farmers have suffered economic hardship based on the adulteration of fertilizer products overs the years. He assured the senate’s support and implementation of the Act.
