The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving food security and enhancing agricultural productivity through strategic support for farmers.
Dr Mahmoud made the declaration at the national flag-off and formal handover of 11,720 bags of fertiliser for distribution to 2,930 smallholder farmers in the FCT. The event, organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was held at the Pavilion Centre, Garki, Abuja.
The Minister described the initiative as a timely intervention that reflects the Government’s unwavering determination to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
She 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.
Dr Mahmoud 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.
According to her, the administration’s policies continue to empower farmers, increase local food production and stimulate economic growth.
The Minister also commended the National Agricultural Development Fund for recognising the vital role of smallholder farmers in the agricultural value chain. She noted that the provision of quality farm inputs would boost crop yields and strengthen the resilience of farming communities across the FCT.
While congratulating the 2,930 beneficiaries, Dr Mahmoud urged them to make judicious use of the fertiliser and embrace modern farming practices to maximise productivity, attain food sufficiency and reduce dependence on food imports.
She further reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to collaborating 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 fertiliser 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 and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Engr Mohammed Ibrahim, said the flag-off represented another practical step towards food security, increased productivity and inclusive economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He emphasised that agriculture must be treated as one of the strongest drivers 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 explained that the programme aims to reduce production costs, improve access to quality fertiliser, increase yield per hectare and strengthen food supply across the country.
