Jigawa cracks down on fertiliser smuggling, warns middlemen

By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi has pledged to apprehend and prosecute middlemen involved in the illegal smuggling of fertilisers intended for farmers in the state, condemning their actions as unacceptable.

Governor Namadi made this declaration during the launch of the 2024 wet season fertiliser distribution and sale to farmers at Jigawa Agricultural Supply Company (JASCO) in Dutse.

He issued a stern warning to middlemen engaged in such activities, stating, “Those who engage in these nefarious acts will face consequences.”

The Governor directed security agencies to intercept and seize any vehicles transporting fertilisers out of the state, emphasising, “The government will not tolerate the diversion of fertilisers meant for Jigawa farmers. Offenders will face the full force of the law.”

Governor Namadi also announced that the state government has procured high-quality fertilisers, NPK 20-10-10 and NPK 20-10-5, at subsidised prices of N35,000 and N40,000 respectively, to support farmers across the state.

During his address, the Managing Director of JASCO, Alhaji Rabiu Khalid Maigatari, affirmed that the company has been consistently supplying fertilisers throughout the year as per the Governor’s directive. He highlighted the increasing demand for agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers, driven by the expansion of cultivable land in Jigawa State.