Agric Loan: Former Minister Seeks Government,Traditional Ruler’s Collaborations

The former Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development of Niger State in North Central, Nigeria, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Bunu Magajin Rafin Borgu, has urged the federal government to collaborate with traditional rulers in the disbursement of loans to farmers nationwide.

During an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria in Minna, the state capital, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Bunu, who served during the Abubakar Sani Bello Administration, underscored the ‘pivotal’ role of extending soft loans to farmers through traditional rulers to advance the government’s goal of positioning Nigeria as a leading global food producer.

Expressing concern about the current loan distribution channels, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Bunu emphasized that “some of these loans often favor politicians and individuals outside the agricultural sector, hindering the government’s efforts to bolster the agricultural industry.”

As a traditional ruler from the Borgu kingdom of Niger State, the Magajin Rafin Borgu revealed that “nearly 70% of previous loans failed to reach their intended recipients due to flawed disbursement policies.”

He underscored the necessity of “involving traditional rulers and utilizing polling units to accurately identify genuine farmers,” a strategy he believes will significantly alleviate the challenges in loan distribution.

Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Bunu also expressed confidence that with the appointment of ‘technocrats’ as ministers by the president, the agricultural sector will achieve its objectives.

While acknowledging the security challenges facing the nation, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending insurgency. He also commended Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for his innovative efforts in the agricultural sector, including providing subsidized fertilizer and seedlings.

Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Bunu’s optimism extended to the agricultural sector in Niger State, where he believes it will regain its former glory, capitalizing on the state’s extensive arable land. “He called upon both federal and state governments to reassess their approach to providing secure loans to farmers, emphasizing the importance of transparent and proper disbursement channels to boost agricultural production.”

Furthermore, he highlighted that the policies instituted by the previous administration serve as a roadmap for the new government to enhance the agricultural sector in Niger State, with the aim of establishing it as a proud agricultural state in Nigeria.

Shakirat Sadiq