Food Security Drive Gets Boost As NADF Distributes 11,720 Bags Of Fertilizer To FCT Farmers
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The Federal Government’s drive to achieve food security received a major boost on Tuesday as the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) commenced 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 formal handover ceremony held at the Pavilion Centre, Garki, Abuja, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the intervention underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
Mahmoud described the initiative as a strategic and timely intervention aimed at supporting farmers with critical inputs needed to boost crop yields and strengthen food production.
According to her, agriculture remains a key pillar of national development and economic growth, stressing that investments in farmers translate directly into food security, job creation, and national prosperity.
“The distribution of these fertilisers is a clear demonstration of the government’s unwavering resolve to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” she said.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as his visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She noted that the administration’s policies have continued to empower farmers, stimulate local food production, and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Mahmoud also commended the National Agricultural Development Fund for recognising the critical role of small-holder farmers in the nation’s agricultural value chain.
She said the provision of quality farm inputs would not only improve productivity but also enhance the resilience of farming communities across the FCT.
Congratulating the 2,930 beneficiaries, the minister urged them to utilise the fertilisers effectively and adopt modern agricultural practices capable of increasing output and reducing dependence on food imports.
She further reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to collaborating with relevant institutions and stakeholders to improve agricultural infrastructure, extension services, farmers’ capacity building, and access to markets.
Mahmoud expressed confidence that the programme would contribute significantly to building a resilient and productive agricultural sector capable of guaranteeing sustainable food security for Nigerians.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim described the initiative as another practical step towards achieving food security, increasing productivity, and driving inclusive economic growth under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that agriculture remains one of the strongest drivers of national development and economic transformation.
“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 programme was carefully designed to ensure that quality inputs reach the right farmers at the right 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 added.
According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce production costs, improve access to quality fertiliser, increase yield per hectare, and strengthen food supply across the country.
The intervention forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and its partners to support small-holder farmers and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to achieve self-sufficiency in food production amid growing demand and economic pressures.
