The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially launched the distribution of subsidized fertilizers and other essential farming inputs for the 2025 farming season.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is designed to significantly boost agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and fostering economic growth through enhanced agribusiness activities.
A key feature of the program is the digital registration and mapping of farmers and their farm locations across the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State. This technological approach marks a major shift toward efficiency, ensuring that only genuine farmers receive fertilizers and other inputs, thereby eliminating exploitation by middlemen.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the New Government House, Rayfield, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy. He emphasized that beyond ensuring food security, agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation.
“For us, agriculture is the most important economic driver. It is a divine blessing that the people of Plateau have the potential to achieve food sovereignty and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development,” the Governor stated.
Reflecting on past challenges, he disclosed that in 2023, the state procured 200 trucks of fertilizer at subsidized rates, but the process was undermined by middlemen who took advantage of the system.
“This year, we have learned from those mistakes. We have re-strategized and fully embraced technology to improve efficiency, in order to ensure that fertilizer reaches only those who need it most, the real farmers,” he assured.
Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism that the deployment of technology in agricultural interventions would not only enhance productivity but also create a sustainable framework for the sector’s long-term growth.
The event culminated in the symbolic presentation of subsidized fertilizers and other farm inputs to registered farmers, which underscored the state’s renewed focus on agricultural empowerment.
Earlier, Governor Mutfwang received a delegation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), led by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office at the Bauchi Field Office, at the Government House, Little Rayfield.
During the meeting, the Governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of mothers and children across Plateau State. He noted that the state’s collaboration with UNICEF remains vital in addressing key challenges related to maternal and child health, nutrition, education, and child protection.
As part of this commitment, Governor Mutfwang announced that Plateau State had provided a counterpart funding of ₦300 million for primary healthcare, which UNICEF matched with ₦600 million to support the procurement of small-quantity lipid-based nutrition supplements. This initiative forms a crucial aspect of the state’s broader strategy to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
“We are fully committed to providing quality healthcare and education to our citizens. We deeply appreciate UNICEF’s continuous support in helping us realize these goals,” he stated.
The Governor recalled that in 2024, his administration signed an MoU with UNICEF to tackle malnutrition, and he assured that the initiative remains a top priority.
“Special attention must be given to mothers and children due to their critical role in society. Our focus is now on concrete initiatives that will strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level, where most women and children access essential services,” he emphasized.
Governor Mutfwang also urged UNICEF to intensify efforts in addressing pressing issues such as child abuse, slavery, and trafficking, which pose significant threats to the future of Plateau’s children and hinder progress in education and literacy.
“While nutrition is key, we must also confront the grave challenges of abuse and exploitation. As a government, we are taking decisive steps to address these issues, but we recognize the need for stronger collaborative action in education, poverty alleviation, and child protection. We look forward to innovative solutions that will help curb these disturbing trends,” he added.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s openness to multilateral collaborations, stressing the importance of sustained partnerships with UNICEF and other international organizations to accelerate development in the state.
“Although UNICEF’s office is based in Bauchi, Plateau State serves as a key anchor for the entire North-East region. We are eager to work closely with you to advance development in all sectors,” Governor Mutfwang assured.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
February 19, 2025
