Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen food security and drive long-term economic growth received a significant boost as the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) commenced the distribution of free fertiliser to thousands of farmers across the South-West region, while the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) reaffirmed its commitment to economic reforms aimed at unlocking national value.

The fertiliser distribution programme, launched in Ado-Ekiti, forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP). Under the initiative, 80,640 bags of fertiliser will be distributed to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the six South-West states during the 2026 wet farming season.

Speaking at the launch, NADF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the intervention as a strategic move to improve agricultural productivity and reduce the burden of rising production costs on farmers.

According to him, the programme is designed to ensure that genuine farmers cultivating priority crops receive direct support at the right time. He emphasized that the intervention is not merely a distribution exercise but a carefully targeted effort to strengthen food production and market stability.

Ibrahim noted that all fertilisers supplied under the scheme are locally produced and clearly branded “Not For Sale” to prevent diversion and promote accountability. He added that each bag is linked to verified beneficiaries to ensure transparency throughout the distribution process.

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The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision of achieving food security, promoting agricultural transformation, and creating inclusive economic growth opportunities.

Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the event, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, praised the programme as a timely intervention that would support farmers and increase crop yields across the region.

She stated that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic development and job creation, adding that the fertiliser support programme would complement ongoing efforts to improve food production and reduce dependence on food imports.

Similarly, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, explained that the fertiliser distribution exercise is part of broader federal initiatives aimed at lowering farming costs and increasing national agricultural output.

The President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, also welcomed the intervention, describing it as impactful and beneficial to smallholder farmers. He expressed confidence that the support would improve productivity and contribute to stabilising food prices nationwide.

Beyond agriculture, attention also turned to the country’s economic reform agenda as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, highlighted the progress being made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a Democracy Day message, Takang stated that ongoing reforms are helping to reposition key public institutions and improve the management of government-owned assets. According to him, these measures are creating a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth and attracting investor confidence.

He explained that MOFI has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a strategic asset management institution focused on preserving, growing, and optimising the value of federal government investments.

Takang stressed that improved corporate governance, transparency, and accountability are helping to unlock the economic potential of public assets that were previously underutilised.

He further noted that effective management of government-owned enterprises can generate long-term benefits for citizens while strengthening economic resilience.

As Nigeria continues to pursue food security and economic transformation, both the fertiliser distribution programme and institutional reforms reflect a broader effort to improve livelihoods, support farmers, and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for the country.