Food Security: FG Distributes 11,720 Bags Of Fertiliser To FCT Farmers

The federal government has stepped up efforts to enhance food production and support smallholder farmers with the distribution of 11,720 bags of fertiliser to 2,930 farmers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The fertiliser distribution exercise, facilitated by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was formally flagged off in Abuja, where the minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving food security through targeted interventions in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Mahmoud described the initiative as a significant milestone in the drive to increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

She said the intervention reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthen food systems, reduce production challenges faced by farmers, and boost local food output under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development, stressing that empowering farmers is essential to achieving sustainable food security and economic prosperity.

She applauded President Tinubu for prioritising agricultural development and creating policies aimed at improving farmers’ access to critical inputs and resources needed to increase production.

Mahmoud also commended the National Agricultural Development Fund for supporting smallholder farmers, noting that they remain the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and play a crucial role in ensuring food availability.

She expressed confidence that the fertiliser support would help farmers improve yields, lower production costs, and strengthen the resilience of farming communities throughout the FCT.

The minister urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the fertiliser and adopt modern farming techniques capable of improving productivity and ensuring higher returns on investment.

She further assured that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would continue collaborating with development partners, agricultural institutions, and other stakeholders to provide the infrastructure, extension services, training, and market opportunities needed to transform the sector.

Mahmoud said the programme would contribute meaningfully to building a sustainable agricultural system capable of meeting the food needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

Earlier, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim, said the fertiliser distribution programme represents a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to food security and inclusive economic growth.

He noted that agriculture remains one of the most powerful tools for creating jobs, revitalising rural communities, increasing food supply, and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

“When we get agriculture right, we create jobs, strengthen rural communities, improve food supply, and put more value in the hands of farmers,” he said.

Ibrahim explained that the programme was carefully designed to ensure that quality fertiliser reaches genuine farmers at the appropriate time in the planting season, thereby maximising productivity and impact.

He added that the intervention is expected to reduce the cost of farming, improve access to quality agricultural inputs, increase yield per hectare, and ultimately strengthen food supply across the country.