Agricultural Development: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Distributes Subsidised Fertilizers to Abuja Farmers

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has commenced the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers in a strategic move to boost food production and combat food insecurity in the nation’s capital. The flag-off ceremony, held at the Arts and Culture Exhibition Pavilion in Garki, marks a critical intervention designed to support farmers during the peak of the planting season.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Chidi Amadi, Minister Wike announced that the FCTA has procured 550 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizers, including conventional NPK, granular urea, and gel fertilizers. These inputs will be distributed at a 50% subsidized rate to certified farmers across the six area councils of the FCT.

During his address, the minister underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “This initiative is a cornerstone of our commitment to food security and agricultural revitalization. With these inputs, we aim not only to boost yields but also to cushion the effects of rising food costs on households.”

Wike also issued a strong warning to the beneficiaries, urging them against diverting the fertilizers to the open market. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said. “I passionately appeal to our farmers not to sell these fertilizers but to use them to cultivate their lands and feed their families and the FCT at large.”

The Mandate Secretary for the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Ango, further explained that the administration is putting mechanisms in place to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme. He also revealed that in addition to the fertilizers, the FCTA has procured 3,500 knapsack sprayers to be distributed to aid farmers’ productivity.

The distribution exercise aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and is seen as a deliberate effort to empower farmers, reduce production costs, and ultimately contribute to a more stable and affordable food supply for all residents of the FCT.