The Kaura council area of Kaduna has condemned reports of individuals demanding between N1,000 and N2,000 from beneficiaries of the free fertiliser distribution.

In a statement on Tuesday, Francis Peter, spokesperson for the Kaura LG, described the practice as unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to undermine the government’s intervention to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and reduce the financial burden on farmers.

He restated that fertiliser distribution in the state was completely free and urged residents, farmers, and stakeholders not to pay money to any individual or entity under any guise.

“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 also called on residents to report all cases of extortion immediately to the law enforcement officers deployed at the various collection points to ensure a transparent, orderly, and hitch-free distribution exercise.

He further warned that any government official, ad-hoc staff, or private individual found 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 stressed.

The council spokesman assured farmers and residents that, in line with Governor Uba Sani’s people-centred policies, it remained committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that government interventions reach the people for whom they were intended.

He commended farmers and residents for their patience, vigilance, and cooperation, and encouraged them to remain vigilant and report any attempt to extort money.

(NAN)