Farmers in Taraba State have raised alarm over the disappearance of 8,000 bags of fertiliser allocated under President Bola Tinubu's Fertiliser Input Support Programme. The missing consignment, part of a larger 20,000-bag allocation to the state, has sparked conflicting claims between federal and state agriculture officials.
Background of the Fertiliser Programme
President Tinubu announced the procurement of 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser in July 2026 as part of a national effort to boost food security. Taraba State received 20,000 bags of NPK and Urea under this initiative. Of this, 12,000 bags were handed over to the Taraba State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) for distribution to members. The remaining 8,000 bags were designated for the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to distribute to cooperatives and organised farmers.
Federal Ministry Confirms Handover
Luka Dabut, Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Taraba State, confirmed that the federal ministry took delivery of the 8,000 bags and subsequently transferred them to the state government. Speaking to reporters, Dabut said: "The federal ministry received a total of 8,000 bags of NPK and Urea for the Taraba State Government. The commodity was brought in during my predecessor's tenure. On my arrival, I found them in our store under safe custody."
He added that the federal government engaged a consultant to oversee the distribution process. Dabut explained: "Within a short time, the Federal Government engaged a consultant to process the distribution. I engaged the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture. The Permanent Secretary, directors, DSS and other security agencies were present. We successfully handed over the 8,000 bags to the state ministry. Not a single bag was left in our store."
State Commissioner Denies Receipt
However, the Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, denied that the state ministry ever took custody of the fertiliser. When asked about the missing allocation, Namessan responded via text message: "There's a Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Taraba State. They handled the distribution by themselves."
This contradiction has deepened suspicions among farmers and local observers. The commissioner's statement suggests that the state government was not involved, contradicting Dabut's claim of a formal handover witnessed by security agencies.
AFAN Distribution Underway, State Allocation Missing
Meanwhile, AFAN has commenced distribution of the 12,000 bags allocated to the association. The distribution is taking place at the Veterinary Warehouse opposite the Christian Centre along FGGC Road in Jalingo. Farmers have confirmed receiving fertiliser through AFAN, but those expecting to benefit from the 8,000 bags allocated to the state government say no such distribution has occurred.
Farmers have expressed frustration and called on security agencies, the Presidency, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate the matter and determine what happened to the fertiliser. Many fear the bags may have been diverted or misappropriated, undermining the programme's goal of improving food production.
Calls for Investigation
The disappearance of 8,000 bags of fertiliser represents a significant loss for farmers in Taraba State, where agriculture is a key economic activity. The case has highlighted gaps in accountability and coordination between federal and state authorities. Farmers and civil society groups are demanding a transparent inquiry to recover the fertiliser or ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by the Tarasa State Government or the Presidency regarding the missing fertiliser. The matter remains under scrutiny, with potential implications for the success of the national food security initiative.
