The Kaura Local Government Council of Kaduna State, has condemned reports of individuals demanding between N1,000 and N2,000 from beneficiaries of the ongoing free fertiliser distribution exercise across the locality.
This is contained in a statement in Kaura on Tuesday, by Francis Peter, the spokesperson for Kaura local government council.
Peter described the practice as unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to undermine the government’s intervention aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and reducing the financial burden on farmers.
He emphasised that fertiliser distribution in the state was completely free and urged residents, farmers, and stakeholders that not to pay money to any individual or entity under any guise.
“No beneficiary is required to make any payment at any stage of the process. Any demand for money is illegal and beneficiaries are urged to resist such demands,” he said.
He also called on residents to report all cases of extortion immediately to the law enforcement officers deployed at the various collection points to ensure a transparent, orderly, and hitch-free distribution exercise.
He further warned that any government official, ad-hoc staff, or private individual found demanding or collecting money from beneficiaries would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
“The administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and will not shield anyone found culpable,” he stressed.
The council spokesman assured farmers and residents that in line with the people-centered policies of Gov. Uba Sani, it remained committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that government interventions reach the people for whom they were intended.
He commended farmers and residents for their patience, vigilance, and cooperation are encouraged them to remain vigilant and report any attempt to extort money from them.