Benue FACAN Launches Major Reforms to Revive Dormant Commodity Associations

The Benue State chapter of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) has initiated comprehensive reforms aimed at repositioning and revitalising commodity associations across the state.

According to the Benue FACAN Coordinator, Mr. Vitalis Tarnongu, the move is designed to promote the adoption of best agronomic practices and significantly enhance food production. In a letter addressed to the national president of FACAN on Monday in Makurdi, Tarnongu disclosed that a review committee had been immediately constituted to assess and restructure the existing associations for better coordination and efficiency.

Tarnongu, who assumed office in March, noted that most commodity associations in the state were virtually inactive. The committee’s findings revealed that over 90 percent of the association leaders had remained in office for decades, in violation of the FACAN constitution. Furthermore, many of the associations were not affiliated with their national bodies or with FACAN, lacked formal structures, and operated without official addresses.

He also pointed out that disorganisation within the associations had hindered the adoption of modern agricultural practices, resulting in poor crop yields. Additionally, there was no clear identification of crop types in the state for proper economic planning. Tarnongu has appealed to the FACAN national secretariat for support in overcoming these critical challenges.