Federal Govt Distributes Free Fertiliser To 20,160 South-West Farmers

The Federal Government has launched the distribution of 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-West geopolitical zone.

The intervention, unveiled in Ado-Ekiti, is under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP) and is designed to boost agricultural productivity, lower production costs, and increase food output during the 2026 wet farming season.

Flagging off the programme, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at delivering support directly to genuine farmers while strengthening the nation’s food security drive.

“This is not fertiliser distribution for the sake of distribution. It is targeted support designed to get fertiliser to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time,” he said.

According to Ibrahim, the programme aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to food security, agricultural transformation, and inclusive economic growth. He explained that the intervention was carefully structured to reflect the comparative agricultural advantages of participating states, with beneficiaries receiving support for priority crops critical to food production and market stability.

He further revealed that all fertilisers distributed under the programme are locally produced, traceable, and clearly branded “Not For Sale,” adding that each bag is linked to verified beneficiaries to ensure transparency, accountability, and prevent diversion.

Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would boost agricultural productivity and support efforts to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security.

She commended President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and NADF for implementing practical measures that directly support farmers and deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the fertiliser support programme forms part of broader Federal Government initiatives aimed at reducing production costs, increasing agricultural output, and achieving sustainable food security nationwide.

Also speaking, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it would significantly reduce farmers’ production costs, improve yields, and enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers.