The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has distributed 900 metric tonnes of fertiliser to farmers in the nation’s capital to boost farm yields and food production.
Mariya Mahmoud, minister of State for FCT, who disclosed this at the inauguration of the exercise on Wednesday in Abuja, said the input was donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Mahmoud said that the fertiliser, received through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, serves as a strategic response to the global challenge of food shortages.
She emphasised that the FCTA has strictly adhered to the CBN’s distribution guidelines, including the establishment of an ad-hoc committee.
This committee comprised of representatives from various sectors such as farmers’ associations, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, area council authorities, traditional institutions, and government agencies, has been tasked with ensuring that the fertilisers reach the rightful beneficiaries—the hardworking farmers in the FCT” Muhammad added.
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The minister acknowledged the high cost of food items as a significant challenge for the populace and reiterated the FCTA’s proactive efforts to address this issue.
She cited recent initiatives, such as collaborations with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, to provide farmers with a wide range of agricultural inputs, thus underscoring the administration’s commitment to enhancing food production.
Mahmoud stressed the importance of equipping farmers with knowledge of good agronomic practices, noting that the FCTA has consistently invested in agricultural education.
She stated the government’s commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Abuja residents, adding that the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, remains focused on transforming the territory into a prime destination for investors.
