The Federal Government has rolled out a major fertiliser distribution programme targeting over 20,000 small-scale farmers across the South-West region. Under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, 80,640 bags of free fertiliser reached beneficiaries this week.
Officials launched the initiative in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday. The move aims to slash farming costs and boost food production ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Mohammed Ibrahim, the National Agricultural Development Fund's chief executive, says this isn't random handouts. "It's targeted support designed to get fertiliser to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time," he told the gathering.
Ibrahim linked the programme to President Tinubu's broader agricultural agenda. According to him, each state received support tailored to what it grows best.
Every bag comes from local producers, he noted. Each one bears the stamp "Not For Sale" and is linked to a verified farmer.
This prevents theft and diversion, officials say. Transparency and accountability remain central to the scheme's design.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji called the programme timely and necessary. He said it would transform farming into a real economic engine.
Habibat Adubiaro, representing the governor, praised President Tinubu's administration. She commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and NADF for the partnership.
Muhammad Magaji, president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, hailed the intervention as well-timed. Farmers would see their production costs drop significantly, he predicted.
Yields should improve too, Magaji told reporters. Small-scale farmers stood to gain the most.
The programme covers priority crops essential to national food supply. Officials believe the push will strengthen food security nationwide.
Beneficiaries in nine South-Western states received allocations. Distribution teams worked to ensure genuine farmers got their supplies.
