President Muhammadu Buhari again on Friday took a swipe at his predecessors, saying trucks conveying fertilisers disappeared “miraculously” in transit under the previous governments.
Buhari spoke during a visit of members of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He expressed delight that contrary to what happened under the previous governments, none of the 3,333 trucks that participated in the fertiliser programme of his administration in 2017 got missing.
He promised that his administration would continue to provide adequate security in order to sustain the programme.
The President said, “Unlike in the previous governments where trucks conveying fertilisers would miraculously disappear in transit, in 2017, none of the 3,333 trucks that participated in this programme went missing.
“I want to assure all the participants of the PFI that, we will continue to provide adequate security so that this programme, and its positive impact on Nigeria, is sustained.
While acknowledging the partnership among the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and state governors to ensure Nigeria feeds itself, Buhari urged them to continue on the track.
He urged stakeholders to continue to support programmes like the PFI and work together to ensure that the country never returns to the dark days of import dependence.
He added, “The rains are upon us. Farmers in the Southern part of the country will be planting soon. We must all do our bit to ensure fertiliser is readily available.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Finance and Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority should immediately engage the Governors Forum to conclude their orders.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should conclude the planning for all the government programmes for the 2018 season to ensure synergy.
“The CBN working with the commercial banks should ensure affordable capital is available to the farmers and agro-dealers.
“The NSA and the security agencies should be ready to allow and protect the movement of all agricultural goods. Specifically, issues relating to end-user certificates must be prioritised.
“The NPA should provide all the necessary support required to expedite the offloading and evacuation of the imported materials.
“And finally, the NSIA and Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria under the able leadership of the Governor of Jigawa State must ensure quality and affordable fertiliser is available to farmers at the right time.”
“Buhari assured you all that his administration will do all it takes to make sure the programme continues to grow and impact lives.
“Nigeria’s journey to self-sufficiency and food security is not negotiable,” he added.
Buhari, who said he was pleased to receive the initiative’s presentations, said he was impressed by how the programme had evolved since his meeting with the King of Morocco 15 months ago.
