National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has  flagged off the distribution of 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-West geopolitical zone.

The intervention, launched in Ado-Ekiti under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing production costs and increasing food production during the 2026 wet season.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to deliver targeted support to genuine farmers and strengthen national food security.

“This is not fertiliser distribution for the sake of distribution. It is targeted support designed to get fertiliser to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time,” he said.

Ibrahim noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to food security, agricultural transformation and inclusive economic growth. He explained that the programme was tailored to the comparative agricultural strengths of participating states, with beneficiaries receiving support for priority crops critical to food production and market stability.

He further disclosed that all fertilisers distributed under the programme are locally produced, traceable and clearly branded “Not For Sale”, while every bag is linked to verified beneficiaries to ensure transparency, accountability and prevent diversion.

Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, described the programme as a timely intervention that would enhance agricultural productivity and support efforts to transform agriculture into a viable driver of economic growth, job creation and food security.

She commended President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and NADF for implementing practical initiatives that directly support farmers and strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and the states.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the programme forms part of broader Federal Government efforts to reduce production costs, increase agricultural output and achieve sustainable food security.

Also speaking, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it would significantly reduce farmers’ production costs, improve yields and enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers.

The South-West rollout of FISP is yet another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand food production, stabilise food prices and deliver on President Tinubu’s vision of a food-secure, prosperous and economically resilient Nigeria.