The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security(FMAFS) has flagged off distribution of free agricultural inputs to enhance productivity, improve farmer’s livelihoods, and achieve food sovereignty
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held in Agege, Lagos, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari stated that the initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure all-year-round farming, and strengthen national food security.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi described farmers as the backbone of food systems in every nation, highlighting that the initiative is strategic, deliberate, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration
Kyari emphasised that “It underscores our collective commitment to strengthening food production. distribution of critical farm inputs — improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and other essential materials.”
He pointed out that ” It is part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention programme aimed at reducing production costs, boosting yields, and improving the livelihoods of farmers. We recognize that farmers are the backbone of our food system. Without empowering them, food ¡security will remain an aspiration rather than a reality.”
He revealed that the collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government
has demonstrated the power of synergy in achieving shared goals.
According to him, “Lagos State plays a unique role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and goes beyond being a major consumption hub to a model for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, vegetable production, and agribusiness innovation”.
He stressed that the Ministry’s recognition of food security as a national security, it is implementing targeted interventions to support farmers across all agro-ecological zones.
He further said that provision of inputs alone cannot ensure the realization of the food sufficiency goal, therefore calling for proper distribution, effective use by genuine farmers, adoption of best practices, and robust monitoring to measure impact.
Kyari pledged that ministries would continue to support farmers with innovative solutions, strengthening extension services, promoting irrigation and dry-season farming, expanding access to improved seed varieties, and encouraging youth participation in agriculture as a viable and profitable enterprise, among others.
He charged beneficiaries to ensure judicious and responsible use of the inputs, adding, “Let them translate into increased output, improved incomes,and greater food availability for our people.”
These include input support schemes, mechanization services, climate-smart agriculture initiatives, and capacity-building programmes designed to improve resilience and productivity, the Minister added.
Sen Kyari added, “To our farmers here today: you are not alone. The Federal Government stands firmly with you. Your labour feeds the nation. Your resilience sustains our economy. Your success is Nigeria’s success. “
He lauded the Lagos State Government for its continuous investment in agricultural development, noting that partnership between federal and state institutions remains critical to achieving the nation’s food security objectives.
“Let this moment mark the beginning of renewed productivity, enhanced collaboration, and shared prosperity. Together, we will build a food-secure Nigeria — a nation where every citizen has access to affordable, nutritious, and sufficient food, “he stated.
In her remarks, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food System, Lagos,.Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry, Mr Audu Emmanuel Fatai stated that the initiative align with the agricultural policies of the Governor Babajide Sanolu’s led administration geared towards achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the state.
Ms. Olusanya pledged that the farmers would make judicious use of the inputs and enhance food production.
Highlight of the event, which was graced by various Farmer Associations, Cooperative Societies, Development Partners, and dignitaries from all walks of life, include the presentation of various inputs for distribution to cooperative farmers especially farmers with Special Needs and the commissioning of the State’s office store.(Thewavespublishers)
