The Federal Government, on Thursday, presented certificates of registration and sales permit to authorised fertilizer dealers in the country.
FG said that non-licensed operators were not allowed to produce, blend, import, market or distribute fertilizers across the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ernest Umakhihe, presented the certificates and sales permit to the fertilizer operators in Abuja.
He said the government had trained and deployed fertilizer and agricultural pesticides quality control inspectors to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, FMARD, Fausat Lawal. Said that urged suppliers to ensure that only licensed agro-dealers were allowed to buy their products, and to abide strictly and operate within the provisions of the fertilizer Act and the implementing regulations.
He said that the FG has given 2 months grace for those who have not obtained their permit as failure to do so would have their facilities sealed off with resultant prosecution.
Umakhihe said, “A grace period of two months has been granted for those who have not obtained theirs (certificates and permits) as failure to do so will have their facilities sealed off with resultant prosecution.
“This is to reiterate that the ministry through its authorised agent will continue to seal premises of fertilizer adulterators as it was witnessed in Kano and Adamawa states once the certificate of registration and sales permits are concluded.”
Umakhike said agro-dealers (distributors) that fulfilled the same requirements would be issued with the sales permit.
“It should also be displayed in a strategic area on their facilities pointing out that the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act was in the process of repealing to accommodate agricultural pesticides in the Act,” he stated.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 signed the National Fertilizer Quality (Control) Act, into law to provide an improved regulatory framework for the manufacture, importation, sale, and distribution of fertilizer in Nigeria.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
