FG  sets quality control mechanism in fertilizer deals, establishes online portal

By Ezurike  Ugochukwu

The federal government has established National Fertilizer Management Platform,  an online portal for the registration of Fertilizer dealers in order to guide stakeholders.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono said the portal would strategically guarantee that all relevant stakeholders are properly and adequately guided on the use of fertilizers.

The ministry he said has achieved this through the instrumentality of the Department of Farm Inputs Support Services (FISS), to ensure accessibility, transparency, accountability among fertilizer value chain players in order to create sanity in the fertilizer space.

Nanono  at a Meeting /Workshop on Operationalization of the National Fertilizer Quality Control (NFQC) Act and Regulations held at the Debbie’s Upper Class & Recreation Limited, Nyanya- Karshi Expressway, Orozo in Abuja, last Monday said this will guide stakeholders in fertilizer chain adequately.

Fertilizers

He noted that the training of stakeholders on fertilizer code of practice, product handling, use and management practices is with a view at equipping them for advisory services to farmers who patronize them from time to time.

The Minister further maintained that there is a need for a robust public awareness campaign and continuous sensitization of the general public on the fertilizer regulatory system, he charged all the fertilizer players to re-double their efforts and carry on with their businesses in line with the provisions of the National Fertilizer Quality Control (NFQC) Act and the fertilizer Regulations.

He assured that the Ministry will provide all the necessary support and assistance needed for the stakeholders to carry on their legitimate businesses unhindered, and to ensure participation of all stakeholders in the implementation process.

“Mr President has created ample opportunities for you the fertilizer players to reposition yourself to take advantage of the good and clear policy environment to grow your businesses.

“The Ministry officials will be engaging the relevant stakeholders during the 3-day workshop in three separate orders; – Day 1 for inorganic fertilizer Suppliers (Manufacturers/Blenders and Importers), Day 2 for organic fertilizer suppliers and Day 3 which is the last day for agro-dealers (distributors),’’ he said.

In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu, represented by Director in the Permanent Secretary‘s office, Engr. Mohammed Bello said the purpose of the workshop is to discuss the critical areas of the fertilizer Act in order to enhance understanding of the operations of the fertilizer regulatory system.

He further stated,  “the interest of the Ministry is not to watch individuals violate the law and pay penalties but to ensure maximum compliance in order to grow the local fertilizer industry and the agricultural sector.’’

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Hon. Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, pointed out that ‘’the Act was enacted to protect the interests of the farmers against nutrient deficiencies, adulteration as well as the investments of fertilizer industry players.’’

The lawmaker  assured of the National Assembly’s support on the implementation of the Act to make it work.