By Muawiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to farmers across the North-West states under the Renewed Hope Farm Inputs Support Programme (FISP).
The programme was launched in Katsina State by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who is also the Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum.
The initiative is expected to benefit 25,200 smallholder farmers across the region.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Radda warned against any form of diversion or manipulation of the farm inputs, stressing that they must reach only the intended beneficiaries.
“We will not tolerate diversion or manipulation. These inputs must reach the intended farmers,” the governor warned.
He stated that strict monitoring mechanisms had been put in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.
Governor Radda described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming agricultural productivity and strengthening Nigeria’s food system.
“This programme is not just about distributing inputs; it is a deliberate strategy to improve yields, strengthen food systems, and uplift millions of smallholder farmers,” he said.
He noted that the intervention comes at a critical period, coinciding with the peak of the farming season, and is expected to boost agricultural output, increase rural incomes, and enhance national food security.
The governor further emphasized that the North-West remains Nigeria’s agricultural backbone and called for sustained investments in mechanisation, irrigation, and quality farm inputs.
“Realising our full agricultural potential requires investment in quality inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, and market-driven policies,” he stated.
Highlighting achievements recorded by his administration in the agricultural sector, Radda said the state government annually distributes over 400,000 bags of fertiliser and has provided farmers with solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers, and other modern farming equipment.
“These inputs are fully subsidised, locally produced, traceable, and clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure transparency and accountability,” he added.
The governor reiterated that the initiative is designed to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme through strict monitoring and verification processes.
“This programme is about transparency, accountability, and boosting productivity in our agricultural system,” he said.
He further noted that the intervention would strengthen local fertiliser production, create jobs, and support domestic industries, thereby linking agriculture directly to economic growth and development.
Governor Radda called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), development partners, and state governments to sustain the momentum.
Earlier, the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman, described the programme as a timely and strategic intervention to boost agricultural productivity across the region.
“This is not just input distribution; it is a strategic investment in our farmers, our communities, and the future of our economy,” he said.
He disclosed that Jigawa State received 20,160 bags of fertiliser for distribution to 5,040 farmers, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy and a key driver of employment and food security.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed A. Ibrahim, described the programme as a precision-driven intervention designed to ensure efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact.
He said agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and poverty reduction efforts.
“When we get agriculture right, we reduce poverty, stabilise food prices, and empower millions of Nigerians across the value chain,” he stated.
According to him, the programme prioritises crops such as maize, sorghum, rice, cowpea, and tomato based on the specific needs of each state.
He explained that the intervention covers five North-West states and includes strict monitoring measures such as farmer verification and input-tracking systems.
Mohammed also revealed that Nigeria’s fertiliser production capacity has expanded significantly, growing from four blending plants in 2016 to more than 90 by 2025.
“This intervention must reach the intended farmers—nothing less is acceptable,” he emphasised.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, commended the Federal Government and NADF for the initiative, describing it as a timely boost to agricultural productivity.
He noted that the programme complements Governor Radda’s ongoing investments in irrigation, mechanisation, and farmer empowerment, adding that agriculture must be treated as a business to achieve sustainable impact.
The event was attended by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaka Rabe Darma; the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; and several other dignitaries and stakeholders from across the country.