The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has advised the Federal Government to set up a joint monitoring committee to ensure equitable distribution of palliatives to farmers and other beneficiaries.
Dr Femi Oke, AFAN’s Chairman in Lagos State and South-West Zone, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.
Oke reiterated the urgent need to set up the committee.
He said the procurement and distribution of palliatives required proper monitoring to ensure accountability and prevent diversion.
Recall that the Federal Government, on Aug. 17, announced approval of N185 billion to all the 36 states and FCT. This to enable them procure and distribute palliatives to citizens.
The procurement of food items and fertilisers is part of the federal government’s efforts to alleviate sufferings associated with fuel subsidy removal.
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`We think that such committee should consist of federal, state and local government representatives to monitor the implementation.
“And we believe that in every state, our governors should also form a committee to include community leaders, traditional rulers and religious heads to monitor implementation process.
“Most of our farmers are based in the villages, which are close to the local governments.
“Definitely, at that level, the leaders will be able to identify farmers and the vulnerable within their communities.
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“As of today, everybody is vulnerable. There is nobody that you will ask today who is not feeling the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
“We recommend that the palliative should be distributed evenly and equitably to all citizenry. Nobody should be left out.
“The committee should comprise agricultural commodity associations’ heads in communities and traditional leaders,” Oke said.
He also advised the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, to focus on smallholder farmers.
Smallholder farmers, he said, formed the greater percentage of farmers.
“Smallholder farmers contribute more to food production and food security in the country. So, the government should empower them.”
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