Agriculture stakeholders pledge to fight corruption in fertiliser subsector

Agriculture Stakeholders Pledge to Fight Corruption in Fertilizer Subsector

In a significant move to promote transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector, key stakeholders in the fertilizer industry have pledged to combat corruption and ensure the efficient distribution of fertilizers to farmers.

The pledge was made during a high-level meeting organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN).

The meeting brought together representatives from the government, fertilizer producers, suppliers, and farmers, who collectively agreed to work together to eliminate corruption and ensure the effective distribution of fertilizers to farmers.

Corruption has been a major challenge in the fertilizer subsector, with reports of diversion of fertilizers, overpricing, and poor quality products. The stakeholders acknowledged that corruption has not only undermined the efficiency of the fertilizer distribution system but also affected the productivity of farmers and the overall growth of the agricultural sector.

To address this challenge, the stakeholders agreed to implement several measures, including:

1. Transparency in procurement: Fertilizer producers and suppliers will ensure transparency in their procurement processes, including the publication of tender notices and the award of contracts to qualified bidders.
2. Quality control: Fertilizer producers and suppliers will ensure that their products meet international standards, and farmers will be educated on the importance of using high-quality fertilizers.
3. Monitoring and evaluation: The government and other stakeholders will establish a monitoring and evaluation system to track the distribution of fertilizers and ensure that they reach the intended farmers.
4. Capacity building: Farmers will be trained on the proper use of fertilizers, and fertilizer producers and suppliers will provide technical support to farmers to ensure that they get the best out of their products.
5. Whistleblower protection: The stakeholders agreed to establish a whistleblower protection policy to encourage individuals to report any cases of corruption or malpractice in the fertilizer subsector.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who was present at the meeting, commended the stakeholders for their commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring the efficient distribution of fertilizers to farmers. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in the fertilizer subsector, and urged the stakeholders to work together to achieve the goals of the agricultural sector.

The pledge by the agriculture stakeholders to fight corruption in the fertilizer subsector is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the sector. It is expected to lead to improved efficiency, increased productivity, and better outcomes for farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.