The Federal Government has flagged off the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP) in Ekiti State, reaffirming its commitment to food security, food sufficiency and increased agricultural productivity across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the initiative was designed to ensure farmers receive farm inputs at the right time to boost food production and reduce the cost of food nationwide.
Abdullahi said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.
“This is to honour the vision of President Bola Tinubu, who believes that we should be able to feed ourselves as a nation. Food security is a critical component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and we must ensure our farmers are producing adequately,” he said.
According to him, the Farm Input Support Programme, anchored by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), is aimed at supporting farmers with critical inputs, especially fertilisers, to increase yields and guarantee bumper harvests.
“The president wants us to meet our food security and food sovereignty objectives. We are here to distribute fertilisers to farmers in Ekiti State and across the South-West as the first phase of the programme. We expect bumper harvests, which will help bring down food prices and make food more affordable for Nigerians,” he added.
Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the programme is a strategic intervention designed to strengthen the agricultural value chain and improve access to farm inputs for smallholder farmers.
He explained that under Phase One of the initiative, 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-West would benefit from the distribution of 80,640 bags of fertiliser.
According to him, each of the participating states—Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos—will receive 5,040 bags for distribution to registered farmers.
Ibrahim noted that the fertilisers have been specially branded and marked “Not For Sale” to prevent diversion and ensure they reach genuine beneficiaries.
“The programme is focused on supporting smallholder farmers cultivating less than 0.5 hectares of farmland. It is designed to stabilise food prices, boost productivity and contribute to national economic growth and transformation,” he said.
He added that the intervention is part of efforts to create the conditions necessary for achieving food security in line with President Tinubu’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Also speaking, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, commended President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and sustained investment in the agricultural sector.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, the governor said the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate domestic food production and improve farmers’ access to essential inputs.
“This programme clearly demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment to boosting food production and ensuring timely access to fertilisers for farmers across the country,” he said.
Oyebanji stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, agriculture is now being repositioned as a business capable of driving industrialisation, creating jobs, reducing poverty and guaranteeing food security.
He also praised the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, led by Senator Abubakar Kyari, for promoting a coordinated approach to agricultural development through collaboration between the federal and state governments.
The governor expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s quest for food self-sufficiency.
