NSCDC warns Kano fertiliser blenders against unregistered products

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has warned unauthorised fertiliser blending plants and local blenders against producing, distributing or selling unregistered fertiliser products in the state.

The State Commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, issued the warning in a statement released on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.

Hassan-Agalama said the directive was aimed at protecting farmers and ensuring that only safe, quality and properly regulated agricultural inputs reached the farming community.

He expressed concern over reports that some local blenders were allegedly producing and marketing fertilisers that failed to meet prescribed standards and regulatory requirements.

According to him, the practice exposes farmers to substandard and potentially harmful agricultural products, while also undermining the integrity of the agricultural sector.

The commandant specifically reiterated that granular ammonium sulphate, (NH₄)₂SO₄, remains banned.

He warned that individuals, dealers, companies or organisations found producing, storing, transporting or selling the banned product would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Hassan-Agalama said the NSCDC, through its Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Explosives Response Unit, was mandated to monitor activities involving chemicals and other materials considered to pose security or public safety concerns.

He directed all unauthorised fertiliser blenders to stop producing or marketing fertiliser without the required registration, certification, trademarks and approvals from relevant government agencies.

The commandant stressed that the directive was not intended to discourage legitimate agricultural businesses but to ensure that manufacturers and dealers complied with regulations and supplied farmers with safe and approved products.

He urged farmers, dealers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious fertiliser production, storage or sales activities to the nearest NSCDC formation.

Hassan-Agalama also assured residents that the command would continue working with relevant ministries, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to protect farmers and curb the circulation of fake, adulterated, substandard and unapproved fertiliser products in the state.