Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Distributes Fertilizers to Flood-Affected Farmers in Kogi State

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, handed over fertilizers to the Kogi State Government for distribution to farmers affected by flood. The minister also spot-checked the disbursement of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) under the Emergency Agricultural Intervention Programme for farmers affected by conflicts and flood in 2018. Farouq emphasized the importance of fertilizer distribution in enabling farmers to recover from losses and alleviate poverty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The minister handed over 19,803 bags of fertilizers to be distributed to farmers in Ofu and Lokoja Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
  • The total quantity of fertilizers required is 114,315 bags, with 54,900 bags already delivered to the state.
  • 35,097 bags of fertilizers have been distributed to farmers in five Local Government Areas, including Koton Karfe, Ajaokuta, Igalamela-Odolu, Omala, and Ibaji.
  • The remaining balance of 59,415 bags of fertilizers is being processed by blending plants and will be delivered as soon as it is ready.
  • The Federal Government's assistance aims to alleviate poverty and empower farmers, with a focus on Kogi State, an agrarian state with frequent flood occurrences.
  • The minister inspected the disbursement of two months of CCT for 62,129 beneficiaries across the state, as part of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
  • The ministry is currently paying for the months of May and June, following President's directive to pay beneficiaries in advance during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Statistics:

  • 114,315 bags of fertilizers are required, with 54,900 bags already delivered.
  • 35,097 bags of fertilizers have been distributed.
  • 19,803 bags of fertilizers are to be distributed.
  • 59,415 bags of fertilizers are still being processed by blending plants.
  • 62,129 beneficiaries are receiving two months of CCT.
  • The Federal Government is providing support to alleviate poverty and empower farmers in Kogi State.

Sources:

  • A statement signed by Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, Deputy Director, Information, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
  • A statement by the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, during the distribution of fertilizers.
  • Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NMA) - Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) released on 24th January, 2020.