The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the distribution of 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-South geopolitical zone.
The intervention, delivered under the Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), reinforces the Federal Government’s push to bolster agricultural productivity, lower production costs, and fortify national food security.
Speaking at Saturday’s unveiling in Calabar, NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim – represented by Olalekan Alabi, head of investment – named Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Edo as the benefiting states. He described the initiative as a tangible manifestation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“FISP is a targeted intervention designed to ensure fertiliser reaches verified farmers cultivating priority crops at precisely the right time,” Mr Ibrahim stated. “Each participating state will receive 20,160 bags for 5,040 registered farmers, with every beneficiary receiving four bags.”
Crucially, all 515,720 bags allocated nationwide are manufactured in Nigeria, fully subsidised, traceable, and clearly marked “Not for Sale” to curb diversion. Every consignment is linked to a verified beneficiary through rigorous validation and documentation, while monitoring partners will assess productivity post-harvest.
To further support the initiative, NADF will deploy over 1,800 Extension Advisory Workers nationwide next month – 30 per state – and is finalising a harmonised fertiliser recommendations manual to provide scientifically backed application guidelines.
Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, represented by Sampson George, hailed the programme for delivering a triple gain: supporting farmers, boosting local manufacturers, and improving national food security. Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, pledged transparency in distribution, while Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo noted the scheme’s synergy with state-led efforts, including subsidised mini-tractors and improved seedlings.