FCTA HANDS OVER 6,800 BAGS OF FERTILISER TO FCT FARMERS THROUGH AFAN
By: Zakari Aliyu
In a major boost to agricultural production and food security in the Nation’s Capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), has handed over 6,800 bags of fertiliser to the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), FCT Chapter, for distribution to verified farmers across the six Area Councils.
The FCT-ARDS received the bags of fertiliser from the Federal Government through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at Tungan Maje, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, described the intervention as a timely support that would enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen food security in the Territory.
The Mandate Secretary represented by the Acting Director of Agricultural Services, Mallam Kongoli Muhammad Mustapha
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the National Agricultural Development Fund for the intervention, noting that the free distribution of the fertiliser reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to supporting farmers and reducing the impact of rising agricultural input costs.
The Mandate Secretary also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for prioritising rural development through ongoing road construction projects, saying the improved road network is already easing the transportation of farm produce and reducing post-harvest losses.
Ango charged the leadership of AFAN to ensure that the fertilisers are distributed fairly, transparently and strictly to farmers captured on the verified list submitted to the National Agricultural Development Fund.
He warned that the Secretariat would closely monitor the distribution process, stressing that any act of diversion, favouritism or other sharp practices would attract appropriate sanctions.
“There must be no shortcuts, no favouritism and no diversion of these inputs. The Secretariat will be closely monitoring every step of this distribution exercise. We will not hesitate to sanction any individual or group found to be undermining this process,” he said.
The Mandate Secretary further assured farmers of the FCTA’s continued commitment to improving agricultural productivity through increased support, enhanced extension services and the promotion of modern farming practices.
Responding, the Chairman of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), FCT Chapter, Dr Perpetual Nkechi Okafo, commended the FCTA for facilitating the timely delivery of the fertiliser to farmers in the Territory.
She assured that the association would uphold transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process to ensure that only genuine and verified farmers benefit from the intervention.
The fertiliser handover was witnessed by national executives of AFAN and senior officials of the National Agricultural Development Fund, underscoring the collaborative efforts aimed at improving agricultural output and advancing food security in the Federal Capital Territory.
