Alia flags off 2026 fertilizer distribution, subsidizes bag by 51% to N28,000

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has flagged off the 2026 fertilizer and farm inputs sales and distribution exercise, announcing a 51% subsidy that reduces the price of fertilizer to N28,000 per bag for farmers.

The governor announced the subsidy during the flag-off ceremony on Saturday June 5, 2026 in Makurdi stating that the programme is designed to empower farmers, lower production costs, increase food production, create jobs, and strengthen rural economies.

Alia said Benue, as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” must continue to lead in agricultural productivity. To achieve this, the administration is expanding land aggregation, increasing access to quality farm inputs, improving rural roads, promoting irrigation farming, supporting agro-processing, and creating more opportunities for youths and women in agribusiness.

He said the fertilizer distribution programme will reach all 23 Local Government Areas of the state. The governor added that strict transparency measures have been put in place to ensure every genuine farmer benefits, and warned that the government will not tolerate diversion, exploitation, or any form of malpractice.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and together, we will make Benue not only the Food Basket of Nigeria but also a leading agricultural powerhouse in Africa,” Alia said.

The governor urged farmers to cultivate more land, produce more food, and create more wealth, assuring them that the government is standing with them to build a greater Benue for future generations.