ibironkeeniola 
The Federal Government says it has created an online portal, the National Fertilizer Management Platform, to be used for registering fertiliser dealers in Nigeria.
The initiative was introduced to ensure accessibility, transparency and accountability among fertiliser value chain players in the country so as to bring sanity to the industry, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Sabo Nanono, explained.
Nanono announced the development on Monday during a workshop on Operationalization of the National Fertilizer Quality Control (NFQC) Act 2019 and Regulations.
The workshop was held at Debbie’s Upper Class & Recreation Limited in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Nanono said the portal was created through the Farm Inputs Support Services (FISS) Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).
Distribution of sub-standard fertiliser by cabals and syndicates has been a major problem for the Nigerian agricultural sector for years.
The minister, however, noted that with the new portal, stakeholders would be guided on the use of fertilizers, code of practice, product handling, use and management practices, among others.
“This is with a view to equipping you for advisory services to farmers as they come to buy fertilizers from you,’’ he added
Nanono further stressed the need for a robust public awareness campaign and continuous sensitisation of the general public on the fertilizer regulatory system.
“Mr President has created ample opportunities for you, the fertilizer players, to reposition yourself to take advantage of the good and clear policy environment to grow your businesses,” he noted.
The minister further urged actors in the value chain to redouble their efforts and carry on with their businesses in line with the provisions of the new act and regulations.
He also assured the stakeholders of necessary support needed to carry on their legitimate business unhindered.
AgroNigeria reported that FMARD on Tuesday issued a fresh warning to illegal fertiliser producers, manufacturers, blenders, importers and agro-dealers to desist from the practice or risk being jailed.
The warning was contained in a video published on the ministry’s verified Twitter handle.
“This law is to make sure that every farmer has good and efficient fertiliser for their farms. It is forbidden for anyone to go into fertiliser business in Nigeria without registering with the Farm Inputs Support Services (FISS) Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“If you adulterate or sell adulterated fertiliser to farmers and you are caught, you will be jailed,” the ministry had warned in the video.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA