BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – 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 boosting agricultural productivity through strategic support for farmers.
This was as she also assured of the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to partnering with relevant institutions and stakeholders to promote agricultural development through improved infrastructure, extension services, capacity building, and enhanced market access.
Mahmoud, who stated these at the national flag-off and formal handover of 11,720 bags of fertilizers for distribution to 2,930 small-holder farmers in the FCT, described the initiative as a timely intervention that demonstrated government’s unwavering resolve to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
At the event which was organized by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) at the Pavilion Center, Garki, Abuja, Mahmoud 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.
A statement by Austin Elemue, Special Assistant Media to the FCT Minister of State stated that 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.
She noted that the administration’s policies have continue to empower farmers, boost local food production, and drive economic growth.
Mahmoud also commended the National Agricultural Development Fund for recognizing the vital role of small-holder farmers in the nation’s agricultural value chain, noting that the provision of quality farm inputs would increase crop yields and strengthen the resilience of farming communities across the FCT.
While congratulating the 2,930 beneficiaries, the FCT Minister of State urged them to make judicious use of the fertilizers and embrace modern farming practices to maximize productivity, achieve food sufficiency, and reduce dependence on food imports.
Mahmoud expressed optimism that the fertilizer 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 of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim said that the flag-off was another practical step towards food security, productivity, and inclusive economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ibrahim emphasized that agriculture must be treated as one of the strongest engines of national development and stressed the need for the nation to get agriculture right.
He said; 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,” he said.
Ibrahim further said that the objective of the programme was aimed at reducing the cost of production, improve access to quality fertiliser, increase yield per hectare, and help strengthen food supply in the market.
