 Sen David Mark The motion was to be moved by Senator Andrew Babalola on behalf of other sponsors, including Senators Tawar Umbi Wada, Sola Akiyede, Chris Anyanwu, Lee Maeba, Adekunle Adedibu, James manager, Felix Bajomo, Otaru Ohize, Umar Argungu, Anthony Manzo and Ayogu Eze. The sponsors of the motion said in view of the looming global food crisis, "the Senate notes that procurement and distribution of fertilizer is central to the issue of food crisis consequent upon which the federal government has been spending an average of N30 billion annually for procurement and distribution of fertilizer since 1999." The lawmakers said Nigerians were yet to feel the effect of colossal amount invested in fertilizer procurement while, "the amount spent on procurement has now been increased to about N65 billion in the 2008 fertilizer procurement and distribution regime." Movers of the motion also expressed concern that the 2008 farming season has already begun in most parts of the country, yet fertilizer has not been made available to farmers. "With the controversy currently trailing the year 2008 fertilizer procurement and distribution; farmers may eventually pay prices above international market price." Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr. Sayyadi Abba Ruma had told the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development that the nation is threatened by possible shortage of essential food items.
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