North-West farmers receive 100,800 bags of fertilizer as Radda demands transparency

No fewer than 25,200 smallholder farmers across five North-West states have begun receiving 100,800 bags of fertilizer under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), with Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, insisting that strict measures be enforced to prevent diversion and ensure transparency in the distribution process.

 

 

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the distribution programme, Radda said strict monitoring mechanisms had been put in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and that only genuine farmers benefit from the intervention.

 

According to a statement issued by Ibrahim Kaula Mohamed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, the programme is being implemented under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security.

 

Radda disclosed that the intervention would see the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertilizer to 25,200 verified smallholder farmers across the North-West region, with Katsina State receiving 20,160 bags for 5,040 farmers.

 

He described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems and uplift smallholder farmers across the region.

 

 

“We will not tolerate diversion or manipulation. These inputs must reach the intended farmers. This programme is not just about distributing inputs, it is a deliberate strategy to improve yields, strengthen food systems, and uplift millions of smallholder farmers,” the governor said

 

 

The governor noted that the intervention comes at a critical period during the farming season and is expected to boost crop yields, increase rural incomes and contribute significantly to national food security.

 

Radda emphasized the strategic importance of the North-West to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, describing the region as the country’s agricultural backbone. He called for sustained investments in quality inputs, mechanization, irrigation infrastructure and market-oriented policies to unlock the sector’s full potential.

 

“Realising our full agricultural potential requires investment in quality inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, and market-driven policies,” he stated.

 

Highlighting Katsina State’s commitment to agricultural development, Radda said the state government annually distributes more than 400,000 bags of fertilizer and has invested heavily in solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers and other modern farming equipment.

 

He added that all inputs distributed under the programme are fully subsidized, locally produced, traceable and clearly marked “Not for Sale” to discourage diversion and ensure accountability.

 

The governor further stressed that the intervention would not only improve farm productivity but also strengthen local fertilizer production, create jobs and support domestic industries linked to agriculture.

 

He called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, NADF, development partners and state governments to sustain gains in agricultural productivity and food security.

 

Earlier, Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, represented by Aminu Usman, his deputy, described the programme as a timely and strategic intervention that would enhance agricultural productivity and economic growth across the North-West.

 

“This is not just input distribution, it is a strategic investment in our farmers, our communities, and the future of our economy,” he said.

 

Usman disclosed that Jigawa State also received 20,160 bags of fertilizer for distribution to 5,040 farmers, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy and a major source of employment and food security.

 

Also speaking, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, described the programme as a precision-driven intervention designed to ensure efficiency, accountability and measurable impact.

 

He said agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and poverty reduction efforts.

 

“When we get agriculture right, we reduce poverty, stabilise food prices, and empower millions of Nigerians across the value chain,” Ibrahim stated.

 

According to him, the programme prioritises key crops including maize, sorghum, rice, cowpea and tomato, based on the specific needs of participating states.

 

He explained that the intervention covers five North-West states and incorporates strict monitoring mechanisms, including farmer verification and input-tracking systems, to ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries.

 

Ibrahim also revealed that Nigeria’s fertilizer production capacity has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from just four blending plants in 2016 to over 90 by 2025.

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“This intervention must reach the intended farmers, nothing less is acceptable,” he emphasized.

 

On his part, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, commended the Federal Government and NADF for the initiative, describing it as a significant boost to agricultural productivity and farmer empowerment.

 

He said the programme complements Governor Radda’s ongoing investments in irrigation, mechanization and agricultural value chains, stressing that agriculture must be treated as a business to deliver sustainable economic benefits.