ABUJA – The Federal Government has intensified efforts to boost food production and strengthen food security with the distribution of 11,720 bags of fertiliser to 2,930 small-holder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the national flag-off and handover ceremony organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) at the Pavilion Centre, Garki, Abuja, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and increasing agricultural productivity.
Mahmoud described the fertiliser distribution programme as a timely intervention that would help farmers improve yields, reduce production challenges and contribute to national food sufficiency.
She noted that agriculture remains critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and development, stressing that investing in farmers is key to ensuring food security and improving livelihoods.
The minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising agricultural development through the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration’s policies have continued to empower farmers, boost local food production and stimulate economic growth.
“This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and improving the welfare of farmers,” she said.
Mahmoud also commended the National Agricultural Development Fund for supporting small-holder farmers, who she described as the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
According to her, access to quality farm inputs will increase productivity and enhance the resilience of farming communities across the FCT.
She urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the fertiliser and embrace modern farming techniques to maximise output and reduce dependence on imported food.
The minister further assured farmers of the FCT Administration’s commitment to promoting agricultural development through improved infrastructure, extension services, capacity building and better market access.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim, said the programme was part of efforts to advance food security, improve productivity and drive inclusive economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said agriculture remains one of the most effective tools for creating jobs, developing rural communities and strengthening the nation’s food supply chain.
“When we get agriculture right, we create jobs, strengthen rural communities, improve food supply and put more value in the hands of farmers,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that the fertiliser distribution was carefully targeted to ensure that the right farmers receive quality inputs at the appropriate time.
“It 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 stated.
Ibrahim added that the programme is expected to reduce production costs, improve access to quality fertiliser, increase yields and strengthen food availability in markets.
The distribution of the 11,720 bags of fertiliser is expected to provide a major boost for farming activities in the FCT and support the Federal Government’s drive towards achieving sustainable food security.
