Benue’s agricultural journey is getting a fresh boost as Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has launched the 2025 cropping season with a massive distribution of subsidised fertilisers and farm inputs. But this isn’t just about seeds and fertiliser—it’s about building millionaire farmers and transforming Benue into Nigeria’s true agricultural powerhouse.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Makurdi, Governor Alia reaffirmed his vision to make agriculture the heartbeat of the state’s economy. With bold promises and strategic reforms, he declared that within two years, hundreds of young farmers in Benue will rise as millionaires through mechanised farming and improved inputs.
Acknowledging a delay in the launch, the Governor explained that the state was finalising payments of over ₦5 billion owed to genuine fertiliser suppliers from the previous season, after fraudulent activities by vendors marred the 2024 programme.
As part of the 2025 agenda, the government is rolling out 9,000 metric tonnes—600 truckloads—of fertiliser valued at ₦16.8 billion. With a 50 percent state subsidy, farmers will purchase each bag at just ₦22,500 while government shoulders the rest.
Governor Alia further announced that Benue’s new agricultural calendar would ensure timely access to inputs: wet season distribution from April to June, and dry season inputs between November and January. He also revealed plans to halt the export of raw oranges from December, when the new fruit processing factory begins operations to boost value addition.
“Young farmers must seize this opportunity,” the Governor urged. “Farming is where our money lies, and it is where Benue’s pride rests. This is your state. Let us think differently, be patriotic, and make agriculture our pride.”
To support vulnerable groups, the Governor gifted 300 bags of fertiliser to widows at the event, while urging cooperatives to distribute fairly among members.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, detailed new reforms to eliminate corruption, noting that all fertiliser sales would henceforth be processed cashlessly through POS terminals at accredited centres, with payments made directly to suppliers. He said a credible farmers’ register and a hybrid digital platform were being developed to track distribution, strengthen extension services, and ensure transparency.
The CEO of Star Fertiliser, Dr. Julius Atorough, reassured farmers that adulterated products would no longer flood the markets. He disclosed that the Benue Fertiliser Plant had been revived to produce crop-specific fertilisers tailored to the state’s soils. “From today, farmers can count on quality fertiliser. Hold us accountable for this promise,” he affirmed.
The Benue State House of Assembly’s Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Shimawua, described the distribution as a vital lifeline for farmers, pledging the Assembly’s full support. Traditional ruler, Ter Lobi Moses Anagende, applauded the government’s twin efforts in boosting agriculture and improving security, noting that many farmers were now confident to return to their fields.
With strategic reforms, youth empowerment, and renewed transparency, Benue under Governor Alia is clearly positioning itself not just as a farming state, but as Nigeria’s agricultural pride.
