The Kaura Local Government Council of Kaduna State has warned against the alleged demand for N1,000 to N2,000 from beneficiaries of the ongoing free fertiliser distribution exercise.
The council described the alleged extortion as unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to undermine the government’s intervention aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and reducing farmers’ financial burden.
The council’s spokesperson, Francis Peter, raised the alarm in a statement issued in Kaura on Tuesday.
Peter stressed that the fertilizer distribution remained completely free and urged farmers, residents and other beneficiaries not to pay money to anyone at any stage of the exercise.
“No beneficiary is required to make any payment at any stage of the process. Any demand for money is illegal and beneficiaries are urged to resist such demands,” he said.
He urged residents to immediately report any attempt to extort money to law enforcement personnel deployed at the various distribution points.
According to him, the measure would help ensure a transparent, orderly and hitch-free distribution exercise.
Peter also warned that government officials, ad-hoc staff or private individuals caught demanding or collecting money from beneficiaries would face appropriate sanctions under the law.
“The administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and will not shield anyone found culpable,” he said.
The council spokesman reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, saying it would ensure that government interventions reached the intended beneficiaries in line with the people-centred policies of Gov. Uba Sani.
He commended farmers and residents for their patience and cooperation and urged them to remain vigilant and report any attempt to extort money during the fertiliser distribution exercise.
source: NAN
