HJRBDA TO SPENT 20BN FOR PROCUREMENT OF FOOD ITEMS AND TRAINED EXTENSION WORKERS ON NEW AGRIC. TECHNOLOGY.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
Northern Bureau Chief
November 11, 2024
The Hadeja Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) has announced plans to spend approximately 20 billion naira on procuring essential food items and fertilizers to support the constituencies of federal House of Representatives members and distinguished Senators.This move is part of HJRBDA’s broader initiative to ensure food security and improve agricultural practices nationwide.
The announcement was made during the opening of the financial bids ceremony held at the Authority’s headquarters in Hotoro, Kano.
Representing the Managing Director, Mal. Ma’aum Da’u Aliyu, at the event was the Executive Director of Design and Planning, Engr. Bello Sani Gwarzo. He stated that eligible contractors would be awarded the supply contracts. Engr. Gwarzo also highlighted the confidence that lawmakers have in the Authority, leading many members of the House of Representatives and Senators to bring their constituency projects to HJRBDA. “Many federal representatives choose to collaborate with our Authority due to the trust they have in us,” he said. “This is why the procurement includes rice, fertilizers, and other essential items, and extends beyond our primary jurisdiction of Kano, Bauchi, and Jigawa States, fulfilling the Federal Government’s directive.”
Also present at the event was Mrs. Nkeiru Ekwebele, representing the Minister of Water and Sanitation. She congratulated the successful contractors and reminded them of the importance of adhering to the Procurement Act in carrying out their contracts. Mrs. Omaliko Catherine, a civil society member, commended HJRBDA for its commitment to following due process in the contract award process.
Contractors interviewed expressed their gratitude for the transparent and fair evaluation of technical bids, which took place at the Authority headquarters last month. Representatives from civil society organizations, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and other non-governmental organizations were in attendance to observe the financial bids process.
In addition to the procurement initiative, HJRBDA is investing in enhancing agricultural skills and knowledge through a two-day pre-season training for its Extension Workers.
This training is designed to update the workers on modern agricultural practices, which they will later share with farmers, especially those in rural areas. This year’s program focuses on new techniques in land preparation, planting, disease control, harvesting, and proper storage facilities, especially for perishable crops and dry-season farming.
The Managing Director of HJRBDA, Mal. Ma’aum Da’u Aliyu, represented once again by Engr. Bello Sani Gwarzo, explained that the primary goal of the training was to strengthen food security and improve crop yield. “Food security is a crucial focus for us. By training our extension workers in new agricultural methods, we aim to equip local farmers with better tools and techniques,” he said. “Many of our farmers still use traditional methods, which often lead to low yields.”
Professor Ibrahim Baba Muhammad, an agronomy consultant from Bayero University, Kano, facilitated the workshop. He emphasized the importance of equipping extension workers with up-to-date agricultural knowledge to address the challenges posed by climate change and advancements in digital technology. “Agriculture is constantly evolving, with new seeds, fertilizers, and technologies. Training our extension workers enables them to relay these innovations to local farmers,” he explained, urging participants to adopt these new methods and share them with farmers in rural communities.
The two-fold initiative—supporting constituencies with food and fertilizer supplies and training extension workers—demonstrates HJRBDA’s commitment to promoting food security and agricultural
