By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The fertilizer distribution exercise of the Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation has sparked controversy in Kogi State, with several farmers alleging irregularities by some of the coordinators overseeing the programme.
The foundation, established in memory of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, a former governor of Kogi State, is chaired by his son, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, who is currently Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development.
The initiative was launched to support farmers across the 21 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity.
However, farmers from Lokoja, Ankpa, Dekina, Kabba and other communities have accused coordinators of favoritism, diversion of fertilizers, and even extortion.
Some alleged that they were sidelined despite registering for the scheme, while others claimed that money was demanded before they could collect what was meant to be freely distributed.
“The fertilizers were meant for all of us who farm in rural areas, but only those close to the coordinators benefited. We feel cheated,” a farmer in Yagba West said.
When contacted, one of the coordinators, simply identified as Ogachoko, denied the allegations.
He described the complaints as “baseless and politically motivated,” insisting that the distribution was carried out transparently and in line with the foundation’s objectives.
The controversy has drawn calls from civil society groups and agricultural stakeholders for the foundation’s leadership to investigate the allegations and strengthen monitoring of its coordinators.
They stressed that the credibility of the intervention depends on ensuring fertilizers reach genuine farmers, not middlemen or privileged individuals.
Efforts to reach the foundation’s central office in Lokoja for an official response were unsuccessful as of press time.
Observers say unless the concerns are addressed promptly, the fertilizer initiative — initially welcomed by many farmers — risks losing its credibility among the very people it was meant to support.
