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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially launched the distribution and sale of multiple types of fertilisers to farmers in all the six area councils at a highly subsidised rate of 50 percent. This move aims to support farmers, reduce production costs, and ultimately, strengthen food security within the region.
The programme was flagged off in Abuja by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi.
During the launch, Wike stressed the importance of farmers using the inputs directly for cultivation rather than reselling them.
“Do not sell them, their true value lies in the harvest they will yield and the livelihoods they will sustain. Together, let us commit to food self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods and a vibrant agricultural future for the FCT and for the nation,” he urged.
He stressed that the initiative clearly reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring food security and revitalising agriculture, while also caring for the welfare of residents in the FCT.
He pointed out that the timing of the distribution aligned with the current farming season and was carefully planned to make agricultural production more affordable and help farmers achieve better crop yields.
He also revealed that strict measures had been implemented to guarantee that fertilisers reach genuine farmers and to prevent any diversion or misuse of the inputs.
Further highlighting collaborative efforts, he explained how the FCTA has joined forces with notable international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Leventis Foundation and various development banks, to emphasise the importance of capacity building and promote sound agronomic practices, among farmers in the territory.
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He called on the traditional rulers to encourage agricultural activities within their communities and to ensure safety and security in rural areas. He also encouraged all beneficiaries, particularly the young people, to view agriculture as a promising pathway to prosperity rather than relying solely on conventional white-collar employment opportunities.
“This initiative underscores our firm commitment to food security, agricultural revitalisation and the welfare of our people. As the FAO has emphasised, food insecurity threatens dignity, stability and peace.
“Our enhanced security efforts are already restoring confidence in our communities and providing a safe environment for agriculture and investment,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, Abdullahi Ango, shared that the Secretariat had procured 550 metric tonnes of assorted fertilisers. This includes NPK, urea, and fertiliser gels. Additionally, 3,500 knapsack sprayers were purchased for distribution at subsidised prices.
Ango assured that the resources would be closely monitored to ensure that they are used exclusively by certified farmers engaged in legitimate farming activities.
The Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs, Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, praised the intervention, noting its inclusive approach towards empowering women farmers.
She drew attention to the MUJE PUJE project; a flagship programme centred on fostering renewed hope and building resilient food security. The initiative aims to empower women, youth, students and households, by promoting farming as a viable livelihood.
Traditional rulers and various stakeholders from across the FCT were also in attendance.
