Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has initiated the distribution of approximately 900 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizers across 30 trucks to farmers in the region.
During the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the minister announced that these fertilizers were donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMA&FS) to the FCT Administration for distribution to farmers in the capital.
The minister highlighted that this event exemplifies President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic response to addressing global food shortages.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by high food prices, Mahmoud emphasized the Administration’s commitment to implementing measures to address the situation.
“In the past two months, we have undertaken several initiatives to enhance food production. Collaborating with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, we provided farmers with a comprehensive range of agricultural inputs,” she said. “We also successfully distributed the palliatives approved by Mr. President, bringing relief to FCT residents.”
Mahmoud assured that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat strictly adhered to the distribution guidelines set by the CBN, which included forming an Ad-hoc committee to ensure the fertilizers reach the intended beneficiaries.
She expressed gratitude to partners for their support in training Agricultural Extension Agents and farmers, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to continuing these efforts and empowering agricultural stakeholders.
The minister encouraged FCT residents, especially the youth, to utilize the vast arable land available in the FCT and engage in agriculture, no matter how small.
Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, noted that the CBN’s donation is a timely response to mitigate the adverse impacts of the global food crisis exacerbated by climate change, low production, and high prices. He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to agricultural revitalization through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes empowering farmers with essential inputs.
“We are optimistic that the substantial quantity of fertilizers provided will result in a bumper harvest this year, enhancing food availability, nutrition, economic growth, and the overall well-being of FCT residents,” he added.
Grace Adayilo, Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in human livelihood, serving as a vital source of food and economic prosperity. She assured that the fertilizers would be distributed to genuine farmers, certified by the committee for their contributions to the FCT’s food production systems. Additionally, the Secretariat would continue enhancing the capacities of extension agents across the 62 wards of the FCT.
