In its efforts to boost food production in Nigeria, the Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) has inaugurated a Compliance Monitoring team to tackle the adulteration of farm inputs in response to the concerns of the Federal Government.
The task force team, spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has the responsibility of addressing the problem of adulteration of farm inputs and curbing round tripping.
During the inauguration, Alhaji Kabir Umar Fara, President of NAIDA, stated that the association is living up to its mission statement, which is to make quality agricultural inputs available, accessible, and affordable to farmers in Nigeria, with the aim of improving their well-being and ensuring food security for all in the country.
Fara emphasized that the inauguration of this team in the 36 states/FCT will facilitate and create an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the public outcry regarding the dishonest practices of agro dealers, particularly in relation to the adulteration of agricultural inputs and round tripping of products, especially fertilizer. Fara noted that while he does not absolve his members of responsibility, he also believes that not all of them are involved in such practices. He emphasized the need for laws and punishments to address these behaviors.
Fara expressed confidence that the monitoring team’s inauguration across the country will reduce, if not eliminate, the wrongdoings perpetrated by unscrupulous dealers within the association. He assured that NAIDA is committed to self-regulation.
However, Fara raised concerns about the scarcity of Urea in Nigerian markets due to the suspension of its distribution by major producers, including Indorama Petrochemicals, Notore, and Dangote Fertilizer companies. He called for urgent intervention by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to encourage these companies to resume distribution of this critical input and eliminate the scarcity in markets as soon as possible.
Arc Kabir Ibrahim, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), also commended NAIDA for taking the initiative to self-regulate. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of integrity in nation-building and praised the association for promoting it.
