The National Agriculture Development Fund has launched a fertiliser support scheme targeting four states across Nigeria's middle belt region.
Under the initiative, NADF will distribute 80,640 bags of subsidised NPK fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers. The effort spans Niger, Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara States.
At the flag-off ceremony, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, NADF's Executive Secretary, called the programme a critical response to farmers' struggles. He noted that access to quality, affordable inputs remains one of agriculture's biggest obstacles.
According to Ibrahim, the scheme aligns with President Tinubu's push to transform farming into an economic powerhouse. It's designed to create jobs and drive national development through agriculture.
The programme targets specific crops essential for food security across each state. Niger will focus on rice, maize and yams, while Benue prioritises rice, yams and soybeans.
"FISP is not fertiliser distribution for the sake of distribution," Ibrahim stressed at the event. "It is targeted support designed to get fertiliser to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time."
He explained that every bag has been mapped to verified beneficiaries through rigorous validation. This involved stakeholder engagement and careful screening of farmers.
All fertilisers supplied are Nigerian-made and fully traceable, NADF officials confirmed. Each bag carries "NOT FOR SALE" branding to prevent illegal diversion.
Ibrahim warned that success won't be measured by today's ceremony. Real success depends on what happens on farms over the coming months.
He urged beneficiaries to use the fertiliser responsibly and only for intended purposes. Farmers, he added, remain critical partners in Nigeria's food security journey.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago praised President Tinubu's agricultural commitment at the event. He described the intervention as proof of the President's determination to achieve food security through strategic investment.
According to Bago, empowering smallholder farmers with critical inputs drives production increases. It also improves rural livelihoods and strengthens the entire agricultural value chain.
Governor Bago commended NADF's leadership for its consistent agricultural support. He highlighted the fund's role in advancing targeted, innovative programmes that benefit farmers directly.
Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, also attended the ceremony. He emphasised the Federal Government's commitment to boosting domestic food production through strategic interventions like this one.
The minister noted that the programme reflects broader efforts to reduce Nigeria's food import dependency. Strategic investments in smallholder farming are crucial to achieving this goal.
Officials say the scheme will significantly increase yields across participating states. Production costs are expected to drop as farmers access quality inputs at reduced prices.
NADF representatives told journalists that beneficiary lists have been verified and approved. Distribution is expected to begin shortly after the flag-off event.
Farmers in the four states expressed optimism about the initiative. Many said affordable fertiliser access has long been their primary challenge.
The programme comes as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen food security nationwide. Agricultural experts say targeted input support is essential for increasing productivity among smallholder farmers.
