The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched the distribution of 550 metric tonnes of assorted fertilisers at 50 per cent subsidised rates to farmers across the six area councils of the territory.
The fertilisers, which include conventional NPK, granular urea, NPK gel, and urea gel, were flagged off in Abuja on Thursday. Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, said the initiative aims to boost food production, stabilise prices, and strengthen food security in the FCT.
“This programme demonstrates our commitment to agricultural revitalisation, food security, and the welfare of our people,” Amadi said. “Aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the FCTA has institutionalised this annual support scheme to reduce production costs and improve yields. The timing coincides with the farming season to ensure farmers have access to inputs when they are most needed.”
The minister cautioned that measures have been put in place to ensure the fertilisers reach genuine farmers and to prevent diversion. He also acknowledged that the supply alone would not be enough, stressing that partnerships with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Leventis Foundation, and the World Bank are focused on capacity building and promoting good agronomic practices.
“These combined efforts are reclaiming degraded lands, supporting livelihoods, and revitalising key agricultural sectors. Our administration remains committed to building a prosperous, inclusive, and secure city,” Wike said.
Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Ango Abdullahi, praised the minister for his support, noting that farmers would also receive 3,500 knapsack sprayers alongside the fertilisers. He added that the distribution would strictly adhere to the Minister’s directives and highlighted the need to strengthen the agricultural sector as Abuja’s population continues to grow.
