Wike flags off sale of subsidized fertilizers to boost food security in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday flagged off the distribution and sale of fertilizers to farmers in Abuja at 50 percent subsidized rates, declaring the initiative as part of the administration’s commitment to food security and agricultural revitalisation.

Speaking during the official ceremony in Abuja, Wike said the programme was deliberately timed to align with the peak farming season when farmers need support the most.

“I am profoundly delighted to stand before you this morning on this highly auspicious occasion to officially flag off the sa.mcc c 1les distribution of fertilizers, a critical agricultural input at 50% subsidized rates, to our dedicated farmers across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

The Minister explained that the distribution, which covers 550 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizers including NPK, Granular Urea, NPK Gel, and Urea Gel, was designed to help farmers enhance yields and strengthen food security amid global shortages and rising costs.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s commitment to food security and agricultural revitalisation,” Wike added.

He assured that mechanisms were being put in place to ensure transparency and fairness in the exercise.

“Following today’s flag-off, our focus now shifts to strengthening the mechanisms that will help ensure a transparent, efficient and equitable distribution process, guaranteeing that these inputs reach the intended beneficiaries; the genuine farmers across our six Area Councils,” he stated.

The Minister also linked the subsidy to the broader welfare agenda of the administration, noting that high food prices remain a major burden for residents.

“We are aware of the challenges our citizens face due to the high cost of food items. This administration has been proactive and this fertilizer initiative which we are providing at 50% subsidized rate is one of several measures we have implemented to directly boost food production and stabilize prices,” he said.

Wike stressed that inputs alone would not solve the challenges of agriculture, highlighting the importance of capacity building.

“However, we recognize that providing inputs alone is not enough. For sustainable agricultural growth, knowledge is as vital as fertilizer. It is against this backdrop that our Administration has consistently invested in building capacity and promoting Good Agronomic Practices among our farming communities,” he remarked.

He expressed gratitude to development partners such as JICA, IITA, FAO, and the Leventis Foundation for their support in training farmers and extension workers.

He also commended the World Bank’s ACReSAL Project, the Islamic Development Bank’s SAP-Z Programme, and the FCT CARES Project for complementing government efforts in boosting agriculture.

The Minister used the occasion to reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the welfare and prosperity of all residents of the FCT.

“Our ultimate goal is to build a prosperous, secure and inclusive city that every Nigerian is proud to call home. We are dedicated to transforming the FCT into a premier destination for investment, and as you can attest, our relentless efforts have led to a remarkable improvement in the security landscape,” Wike said.

He appealed to residents, especially youths, to embrace agriculture as a means of livelihood.

“In conclusion, I wish to make a special appeal to all FCT residents, particularly our energetic youth population to take advantage of the vast arable land that the FCT is blessed with to rather than wait for white collar jobs, venture into agriculture. It is high time for us to return to the farms to produce what we eat,” he urged.

Wike further admonished beneficiaries of the subsidized fertilizers to use them judiciously.

“To our farmers who are the beneficiaries of this gesture: to whom much is given, much is expected. I passionately appeal to you to utilize these inputs for the intended purpose, to cultivate your lands and increase your yield. Please, do not be tempted to sell them for the benefit of your families and FCT at large,” he cautioned.

In his welcome remarks, the Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, commended the Minister’s leadership and commitment to the agricultural sector.

He disclosed that a total of 850 metric tonnes of fertilizers and 3,500 knapsack sprayers had been procured and stored for distribution in line with the Minister’s directives.

Ango said the Secretariat had certified all beneficiaries as genuine farmers and had taken measures to prevent diversion of the inputs.

“Your excellency Sir, the people you see here today, are farmers that have been certified by the Secretariat as genuine farmers who have been in their different ways, adding value to the food production systems in the FCT. We want to assure you Sir that, we have put in place measures to ensure that the fertilizers will not end up in the markets but serve the intended purpose,” he assured.

He reaffirmed the Secretariat’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda under Wike’s leadership, saying the initiative would strengthen food production and unlock employment opportunities for FCT residents.