The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security and enhancing agricultural productivity through targeted interventions aimed at supporting small-holder farmers across the country.
Key Highlights:
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, made this known during the official launch and handover of 11,720 bags of fertiliser for distribution to 2,930 small-holder farmers in the FCT.
The programme, organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), took place at the Pavilion Centre in Garki, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve agricultural output and strengthen the livelihoods of local farmers.
Speaking at the event, Mahmoud described the fertiliser distribution as a timely intervention that reflects the government’s determination to revitalise the agricultural sector and support those at the heart of food production.
She noted that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development and stressed that empowering farmers is essential to ensuring long-term prosperity, food sufficiency, and national stability.
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The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising agricultural development, saying the administration’s policies are designed to increase local food production, empower farmers, and stimulate economic growth.
Mahmoud praised the NADF for recognising the important contribution of small-holder farmers to the nation’s agricultural value chain, adding that access to quality farm inputs would help increase yields and improve resilience within farming communities across the FCT.
She encouraged the 2,930 beneficiaries to make effective use of the fertilisers and adopt improved farming techniques to maximise productivity, enhance food availability, and reduce dependence on imported agricultural products.
The minister further pledged that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would continue collaborating with relevant institutions and stakeholders to promote agricultural development through investments in infrastructure, extension services, capacity building, and market access.
Expressing optimism about the programme’s impact, Mahmoud said the intervention would contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable agricultural sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s food security goals.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the fertiliser distribution aligns with broader efforts to promote food security, improve productivity, and drive inclusive economic growth.
He described agriculture as one of the country’s most important economic sectors, noting that increased investment in farming has the potential to create jobs, strengthen rural communities, expand food production, and improve farmers’ incomes.
“This initiative is not simply about distributing fertiliser,” Ibrahim said. “It is about ensuring that the right farmers receive the right inputs for the right crops at the appropriate time to achieve better outcomes.”
He added that the programme is intended to lower production costs, improve access to quality fertilisers, increase crop yields per hectare, and strengthen food supply across domestic markets.
