The national food security drive is receiving a firm support, as the Federal Government through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) flagged off the distribution of 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-West geopolitical zone.
The intervention, launched in Ado-Ekiti under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP) on Thursday, is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing production costs and increasing food production during the 2026 wet season.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF, described the program as a strategic intervention designed to deliver targeted support to genuine farmers and strengthen national food security.
“This 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 said.
Ibrahim noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to food security, agricultural transformation and inclusive economic growth. He explained that the programme was tailored to the comparative agricultural strengths of participating states, with beneficiaries receiving support for priority crops critical to food production and market stability.
He further disclosed that all fertilisers distributed under the programme are locally produced, traceable and clearly branded “Not For Sale”, while every bag is linked to verified beneficiaries to ensure transparency, accountability and prevent diversion.
In his remarks, Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti state, described the programme as a timely intervention that would enhance agricultural productivity and support efforts to transform agriculture into a viable driver of economic growth, job creation and food security.
Biodun who was represented by Habibat Adubiaro, Secretary to the State Government, commended President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and NADF for implementing practical initiatives that directly support farmers and strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and the states.
Also speaking, Muhammad Magaji, president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it would significantly reduce farmers’ production costs, improve yields and enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers.
