Niger Govt Launches Crackdown on Fake Fertiliser to Protect Farmers

The Niger State Government has unveiled a renewed agricultural policy aimed at eliminating the sale of adulterated fertilisers, ensuring farmers have access to safe and effective products.

Dr. Mathew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, announced the initiative during a stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, held in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The session brought together government officials, researchers, and farmer organisations to discuss updates to the state’s agricultural strategy.

Ahmed noted that the move is designed to shield farmers from exploitation and improve agricultural yield across the state. He stressed that under the revised policy, fertiliser products will be seized from vendors and tested for quality and compliance with safety standards. “Many farmers don’t know where to find quality fertiliser. We’ll begin stringent checks to protect them and ensure they get value for money,” he said.

He added that these reforms would soon be presented to the state government for formal approval and integration into broader development plans.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Musa Salihu Bawa Bosso, explained that the existing agriculture policy, implemented in 2020, expired in 2024. This necessitated the review process to inject new strategies and innovations.

He said the upcoming policy, covering 2025 to 2030, will support the state’s agricultural vision, focusing on mechanised farming, gender inclusion, and comprehensive investment planning. “This new policy will deliver a complete package for farmers, in line with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s massive investment in agriculture. Our goal is to position Niger as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria,” Bosso stated.

On its part, AGRA, through its Programme Manager, Mr. Godswill Aguyi, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in the state—especially those in the rice and soybean sectors. He highlighted AGRA’s continued assistance in drafting policy frameworks, investment plans, and flagship documents to strengthen Niger’s agricultural development.