Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has announced a 51 percent subsidy on fertilizer, cutting the price of a bag to N28,000 for local farmers. This initiative aims to boost agricultural production and secure food availability across the state.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Fertilizer and Agricultural Inputs Sales and Distribution Programme at the Benue Fertilizer Blending Plant in Makurdi on Thursday, the governor highlighted that the subsidy is intended to ease the burden of rising farming costs and encourage more residents to engage in agriculture.
Alia emphasized that the distribution effort is part of a broader agricultural strategy focusing on expanding farmland through land consolidation, improving access to quality inputs, and raising overall productivity. He stated that this is not just a one-time measure but a sustained policy aimed at enhancing food security, enlarging cultivated areas, and boosting rural economies.
The governor noted that the program will cover all 23 local government areas, with enhanced monitoring to ensure fairness and prevent misuse. He also revealed that the state has increased the quantity of fertilizer and other inputs this year to meet the growing demand from expanded farming activities.
Key components of the administration’s agricultural agenda include building and rehabilitating rural roads, expanding irrigation for year-round farming, promoting agro-processing and value chains, and offering training for farmers, youth, and women in agribusiness. Alia urged farmers to utilize the subsidized inputs to enhance food production and warned officials to maintain transparency and accountability, with strict penalties for any diversion or malpractice.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Benjamin Ashaver assured that substandard fertilizer distribution is now a thing of the past, with comprehensive monitoring to guarantee quality. He warned that those who bypass approved procedures or engage in unethical conduct will face sanctions. The program is expected to benefit thousands of farmers as the 2026 farming season approaches.