In an effort to achieve President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, the National Agricultural Development Fund, NADF, on Thursday, flagged off the distribution of 80,640 bags of free fertilizer to 20,160 smallholder farmers in the South-West geopolitical zone.
NADF flagged off the distribution of the fertilizer in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, FISP, which is geared towards upscaling farmers’ productivity, reducing production costs, and increasing food production during the 2026 wet season.
The executive secretary of NADF, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, said that 80,640 bags of fertilizer would be distributed to beneficiaries in the zone during the 2026 wet farming season.
He said the intervention was aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing production costs, and increasing food output.
“FISP is designed to get fertilizer to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time.
“The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to food security, agricultural transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
“The programme is tailored to the comparative agricultural strengths of participating states, with beneficiaries receiving support for priority crops critical to food production and market stability.
“All fertilizers 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 and accountability and prevent diversion,” he said.
The minister of state for agriculture and food security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the programme formed part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce production costs, increase agricultural output, and achieve sustainable food security.
Also, the president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, said the intervention would significantly reduce farmers’ production costs, improve yields, and enhance productivity.
He said the South-West rollout of FISP underscored the government’s commitment to expanding food production, stabilising food prices, and building a food-secure and economically resilient nation.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the intervention would boost agricultural productivity and support efforts to make agriculture a driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security.
He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro.
The governor commended the federal government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and NADF for implementing practical initiatives that directly support farmers and strengthen collaboration with states.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
