The federal government has started handing out 11,720 bags of fertiliser to 2,930 smallholder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Each beneficiary gets four bags free of charge.
FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud told the Abuja distribution on Tuesday the giveaway is part of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), Phase I. She said the scheme, run by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), aims to boost local food production and tackle food security.
“Agriculture remains a critical pillar of national development, and investing in our farmers is investing in the prosperity and stability of our nation.
“The provision of quality farm inputs will not only increase crop yields but also strengthen the resilience of farming communities across the FCT,” she said.
Mahmoud urged beneficiaries to adopt modern farming methods and use the fertilisers wisely to lift productivity and cut food imports. She also promised the FCT Administration will keep partnering with agencies to supply infrastructure, extension services and market access.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Abdullahi said the Tinubu government is taking a coordinated approach to transform farming.
“Mr President is seeing farmers not just as producers but as national entrepreneurs who hold the key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
“If there are no farmers, there will be no nation. This intervention goes beyond mere support; it is both symbolic and strategic to catalyse our agricultural sector,” he said.
Abdullahi warned beneficiaries not to sell the inputs. NADF boss Mohammed Ibrahim said transparency steps were in place to reach the right people and ease high production costs. Farmers’ leader Muhammed Magaji asked for steady government investment. A traditional leader thanked the government, calling the help a “timely intervention”. (NAN)
