A group of agricultural input suppliers in Benue State has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Executive Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, over the prolonged non-payment of government subsidies owed to them for the 2024 cropping season.
In an open letter signed by Mr. Michael Yange on behalf of the contractors, the suppliers expressed deep frustration and distress over the delay in payment, noting that several attempts to seek redress from the government have yielded no tangible results.
According to the letter, the financial strain caused by the non-payment has had devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of the vendors. “We have experienced the death of one of us, some are suffering from stroke, many are languishing in police detention while others have lost properties to creditors,” the letter read. “The ordeal we are facing is so painful and unimaginable. Our lives are seriously endangered.”
The contractors emphasized that they had taken loans to supply farm inputs to farmers under the state’s subsidized agricultural program and that interest on those loans continues to mount. They urged the governor to act swiftly to avert further hardship.
“This payment will not only enable us to settle our debts and restore our families, but will also reinforce the integrity of your administration as one that honours its obligations,” the group stated, adding that timely payment would boost economic activity within the state.
The letter also revealed that while the suppliers had previously considered legal action, they held back in the hope that the matter would be resolved amicably. “We are extremely handicapped at this moment. If we don’t get paid in a week’s time, we shall be left with no option than to head to court,” the letter warned.
Despite the grave tone, the contractors reiterated their willingness to support the state government, especially in addressing the security challenges confronting Benue. “We do not find joy adding to the problems of the state,” the group affirmed.
They concluded the letter with a note of goodwill, wishing Governor Alia good health and strength in discharging his duties.
The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to the claims and demands made by the agricultural input suppliers.
READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW
An Open Letter to His Excellency,
The Executive Governor of Benue State,
Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia
Your Excellency Sir,
Sir, we the contractors who supplied farm inputs during the 2024 cropping season, are writing to express our deep concern and frustration regarding the non-payment of the government subsidy to us the vendors. We have made numerous attempts to bring this matter to your attention only to be left without any hope of getting solution.Â
The non-payment of this government subsidy has had severe consequences for our businesses and families. We have experienced the death of one of us, some are suffering from stroke, many are languishing in police detention while many also have lost properties to creditors.Â
The ordeal we are facing Sir is so painful and unimaginable. Our lives are seriously endangered.Â
We once more make a passionate appeal for this payment to be made without further delay. The already experienced consequences are overwhelming and excruciating. Interest on loans obtained to carry out the supply have continued to accumulate.Â
Pls your Excellency, take a prompt action. We are dying!
Heeding to our plea will help us both in settlement of our debts and also revive our families that have been drastically affected.
 This payment will as well promote the integrity of your government as one that honours agreement. It will also be another way to boost in high scale, economic activities in Benue State.Â
Your Excellency Sir, recall that we had in the time past, notified government of our intention to seek for legal redress. But for our passion in supporting your administration, at it’s expiration, we did not proceed to sue. We decided to give more time to see if solution will be found. Unfortunately, till the moment we don’t see any end in sight.  We are extremely handicapped at this moment. We most respectfully inform you Sir, that if we don’t get paid in a week’s time from this date, we shall be left with no option than to head to the court.Â
Most frankly, we pray it doesn’t get to this level. We are very much aware of the insecurity ravaging the state in which we are highly sympathetic and willing to support the government in areas we are called upon.
 Therefore, we still make a passionate appeal for the immediate payment of the government subsidy. We do not find joy adding to the problems of the state.Â
We wish His Excellency good health, sound mind and sufficient energy in carrying out the herculean task of governance.Â
Yours Most Respectfully,Â
Michael Yange For 2024 Agricultural Input Suppliers in Benue State.
