NADF DISTRIBUTES 11,720 BAGS OF FERTILIZERS TO FCT SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS
By: Freda Aideyan
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to achieving food security and boosting agricultural productivity through strategic support for farmers.
Mahmoud spoke at the national flag-off and formal handover of 11,720 bags of fertilizer for distribution to 2,930 smallholder farmers in the FCT, organized by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) at the Pavilion Centre, Garki, Abuja.
The Minister described the initiative as a timely intervention that demonstrates the government’s unwavering resolve to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihood.
Mahmoud noted that agriculture remains a critical pillar of national development, stressing that investing in farmers is an investment in the nation’s prosperity, economic stability, and food security.
She expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She emphasized that the administration’s policies continue to empower farmers, boost local food production, and drive economic growth
The Minister also commended the National Agricultural Development Fund for recognizing the vital role of small-holder farmers in the nation’s agricultural value chain, noting that the provision of quality farm inputs would increase crop yields and strengthen the resilience of farming communities across the FCT.
While congratulating the 2,930 beneficiaries, Mahmoud urged them to make judicious use of the fertilizers and embrace modern farming practices to maximize productivity, achieve food sufficiency, and reduce dependence on food imports.
She further reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to partnering with relevant institutions and stakeholders to promote agricultural development through improved infrastructure, extension services, capacity building, and enhanced market access.
The Minister expressed optimism that the fertilizer distribution programme would contribute significantly to building a more resilient, productive, and prosperous agricultural sector capable of guaranteeing sustainable food security for all Nigerians.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim stressed that the flag-off was another practical step towards food security, productivity, and inclusive economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasized that agriculture must be treated as one of the strongest engines of national development.
According to him, “When we get agriculture right, we create jobs, strengthen rural communities, improve food supply, and put more value in the hands of farmers.
“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.”
Ibrahim revealed that the objective of the programme was to reduce the cost of production, improve access to quality fertiliser, increase yield per hectare, and help strengthen food supply in the market.
