Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture in the state, unveiling a bold plan to produce hundreds of millionaire farmers within the next two years.
The Governor made the declaration in Makurdi at the official flag-off of the 2025 cropping season and distribution of subsidized fertilizers and farm inputs. He emphasised that his government’s priority is to reposition Benue as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse by supporting young farmers with improved inputs and mechanisation.
Governor Alia, who apologised for the delay in flagging off the season, explained that the state had finalised arrangements to pay over ₦5 billion owed to genuine fertilizer suppliers from the previous season. According to him, the delay in payment was caused by fraudulent practices of some vendors in 2024.
“We want to make hundreds of millionaires from farming. Young farmers should take advantage of this support. Farming is where our money is, and it is where Benue’s pride lies,” the Governor said.
He disclosed that the state had adopted a new agricultural calendar, which will see wet season farm inputs distributed between April and June, while dry season inputs will be distributed between November and January, to guarantee timely access for farmers.
As part of the 2025 programme, the state government is providing 9,000 metric tonnes, representing 600 truckloads of fertilizers, including NPK, Urea, and SSP, valued at ₦16.8 billion, with a 50 percent subsidy. Farmers will therefore access fertilizer at ₦22,500 per bag while the government covers the remaining cost.
Governor Alia also revealed that from December, no oranges will be exported out of Benue in raw form as the new fruit processing factory will mop up oranges and add value to local produce. He called on Benue youths to embrace farming to maintain the state’s leading position in soyabean production nationwide.
“This is your state. This is your Benue. Let us think differently, be patriotic, and make agriculture the pride of our land. Together, we will make Benue the agricultural powerhouse it is destined to be,” he stated.
The Governor announced that 300 bags of fertilizer would be given to widows present at the event, while farmer cooperatives were urged to ensure transparent distribution to members.
Delivering the Governor’s formal address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, highlighted reforms aimed at eliminating corruption in farm input distribution.
“Henceforth, all fertilizer sales will be processed cashlessly through POS terminals at accredited centres, with payments made directly to suppliers’ accounts. These reforms will ensure only genuine farmers benefit from government subsidies. We are also building a credible farmers’ register and deploying a hybrid digital platform to enhance transparency, close extension service gaps, and provide real-time support to farmers,” Dr. Ashaver said.
He commended farmers for their resilience and urged them to adopt improved seeds and modern farming techniques rather than relying on local grains for planting.
On his part, the CEO of Star Fertilizer, Dr. Julius Atorough, assured stakeholders that adulterated fertilizer would no longer circulate in the state. He disclosed that the company had invested massively to revive the moribund Benue Fertilizer Plant and pledged to produce crop-specific fertilizers for Benue soil.
“From today, Benue farmers can be sure of getting quality fertilizers. We will establish outlets across the state to end the circulation of fake products. Hold us accountable for our promise,” Atorough said.
The Benue State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Shimawua, described the distribution exercise as a vital support initiative for farmers and assured the Commissioner of Agriculture of the Assembly’s full backing.
Also speaking, the Ter Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, commended the government’s efforts to address agricultural challenges and security concerns, noting that farmers in many areas are already feeling safer to return to their farms.