The Adamawa Executive Council (EXCO) has approved over three billion naira for the purchase of agricultural inputs, variations to some existing contracts, consultancy services, and new projects colleges and hospitals within the state.
The weekly Adamawa EXCO meeting, held on 15 July 2024 and chaired by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, authorised the sale of fertiliser at a subsidised price with a 50% discount compared to the market price for the 2024 rainy season.
Briefing reporters at Government House Yola after the meeting, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. James Iliya, disclosed that the council approved N2,807,317,280.00 for the purchase of agricultural inputs. He explained that this will include:
123,281kg of assorted seeds (maize for rainy season and rice for dry season farming).
55,741 litres of pesticide for the 2024 dry season farming.
41,179 bags of 50kg NPK fertiliser (20-10-10) to be supplied to farmers in the state.
Hon. Iliya James also revealed that the state EXCO approved the engagement of consultants for the design and supervision of construction services for a computer-based training centre and twin lecture theatre at the College of Nursing and Midwifery Yola. The contract was awarded to Allied Associates Limited for N99,485,218.97.
According to the Information and Strategy Commissioner, the meeting also approved variations to the original contract to cover additional work at the new government house. This includes:
The construction of a massive retaining wall to address a significant excavation on the site.
Extensive earth filling of a sloping area.
An elaborate gatehouse designed for enhanced security.
The contractor for these additional works remains MSSR Madugu Commercial and Construction Company Ltd.
Hon. Iliya James further disclosed that the EXCO awarded a contract for consultancy services for the design and supervision of construction services for an administrative block, male and female hostels, and classroom halls at the College of Health Technology Michika. Allied Associates Limited was awarded the contract, with a value of N117,091,918.21.
The Commissioner also announced the variation of a contract for the procurement of hospital furniture for seven newly built cottage hospitals across the state. The revised sum is N472,227,186.33, an increase of N122,165,268.23 from the initial contract amount of N350,061,918.10. MCM Enterprise of Eltom Heritage Duty holds the contract.
In a broader context, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy highlighted the national and state-level challenges of food insecurity. He explained that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's decision to procure assorted fertiliser, pesticides, and seeds is a proactive measure to address the hunger crisis plaguing the nation.
Hon. James Iliya further emphasised the government's focus on healthcare, recognising the importance of a healthy population for a healthy nation.
Shedding further light on the approval for agricultural inputs, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Professor David Jatau, acknowledged the late start to the rainy season in Adamawa. However, he assured that some farmers still require seeds for planting. He revealed that the state government has already procured over N450 million worth of agricultural inputs, which have been distributed to all 21 local government areas for onward distribution to local farmers.
According to Professor Jatau, the state ordered 61 trucks of NPK fertiliser, of which 20 have already arrived. He expects an additional 6 trucks to be delivered within the week.
Once half of the supply is received, Professor Jatau stated that he will seek the governor's approval to begin distribution to farmers. The government's ultimate goal is to combat hunger by supplying essential inputs to farmers across the state he emphasised.