Abuja: The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the distribution of 80,640 free bags of fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers in the South-South geopolitical zone. The initiative is part of the fund’s Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing production costs, and bolstering national food security.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, announced the commencement of the distribution at an unveiling event in Calabar. He identified the benefiting states as Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Edo. Represented by the Fund’s Head of Investment Department, Mr. Olalekan Alabi, Ibrahim emphasized that the intervention is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to agriculture under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“FISP is a targeted intervention designed to ensure fertiliser reaches verified farmers cultivating priority food crops at the right time, rather than serving as a general distribution exercise,” Ibrahim stated. He further explained that the programme is aimed at delivering fertiliser to the right farmers for the right crops at the right time, thereby enhancing agricultural yields, market access, and having a positive impact on people’s lives.
Ibrahim revealed that 515,720 bags of fertiliser will be distributed nationwide, with each participating state in the South-South region receiving 20,160 bags for 5,040 registered farmers. Each beneficiary will receive four bags. All fertiliser supplied under the programme is manufactured in Nigeria, fully subsidised, traceable, and clearly marked “Not for Sale” to prevent diversion. Every bag is linked to a verified beneficiary through validation, duplication screening, and proper documentation, with monitoring and evaluation partners set to assess productivity post-farming season.
He also mentioned that the fund plans to deploy over 1,800 Extension Advisory Workers nationwide next month, with 30 officers assigned to each state. Furthermore, NADF is finalising a Harmonised Fertiliser Recommendations Manual for Crops in Nigeria to provide farmers with scientifically-backed fertiliser application guidelines.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, remarked that the intervention illustrates the Federal Government’s resolve to bridge Nigeria’s agricultural productivity gap. Represented by the ministry’s State Coordinator, Sampson George, he described the initiative as a programme that delivers multiple gains: support for farmers, increased demand for local fertiliser producers, and improved food security for the nation.
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River expressed his appreciation to the federal government and NADF for prioritising smallholder farmers, noting that they are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy. Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, Otu highlighted that the intervention aligns with the state’s People First Agenda and assured transparency in the distribution process to ensure genuine beneficiaries receive the fertiliser.
Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development in the state, stated that the programme complements the state’s agricultural development initiatives, which include the distribution of subsidised mini tractors, improved seedlings, quality seeds, and farmer capacity-building programmes.