The Federal Government has presented certificates of registration and sales permit to authorised fertilizer dealers across Nigeria.
Information officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Modupe Olatunji announced this in a statement issued in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary Ernest Umakhihe, during the presentation of certificates explained that the Ministry trained and deployed to the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Fertilizer and Agricultural Pesticides Quality Control Inspectors.
He added that the inspectors are currently working with relevant security agencies to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act and Regulations, in order to protect the farmers and the industries.
Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties ministry of Agriculture, Fausat Lawal stressed that the non-licensed operators are not allowed to produce, blend, import, market or distribute fertilizers in the country.
The Permanent Secretary urged the suppliers to ensure that only licensed agro-dealers were allowed to buy their products, and to abide strictly and operate within the provisions of the fertilizer Act and the implementing regulations.
On his part, the Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department Kwaido Sanni said the Act and Regulations were not intended to create a stumbling block to the operators’ business but to protect the genuine entrepreneurs, the farmers, the environment and the entire citizenry from both economic and human losses.
