The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the distribution of 80,640 bags of free fertilizer to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-West geopolitical zone. The initiative was launched in Ado-Ekiti under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing production costs, and increasing food production during the 2026 wet season.
Strategic Intervention for Food Security
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to deliver targeted support to genuine farmers and strengthen national food security. He emphasized that this is not just a routine distribution but a targeted effort to get fertilizer to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time.
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 is tailored to the comparative agricultural strengths of participating states, with beneficiaries receiving support for priority crops critical to food production and market stability.
Transparency and Accountability
He further disclosed that all fertilizers distributed under the programme are locally produced, traceable, and clearly branded “Not For Sale.” Every bag is linked to verified beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability and to prevent diversion.
Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, described the programme as a timely intervention that will enhance agricultural productivity and support efforts to transform agriculture into a viable driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security. She 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.
Broader Government Efforts
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the programme forms part of broader Federal Government efforts to reduce production costs, increase agricultural output, and achieve sustainable food security.
Also speaking, the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it will significantly reduce farmers’ production costs, improve yields, and enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers.
The South-West rollout of FISP is yet another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand food production, stabilize food prices, and deliver on President Tinubu’s vision of a food-secure, prosperous, and economically resilient Nigeria.
