Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has flagged off distribution and sales of assorted fertilisers to farmers across the six Area Councils of the nation’s capital, Abuja, at a 50 percent subsidised rate.

The Minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Chidi Amadi, performed the official flag-off programme on Thursday in Abuja, with a call on the farmers not to resell the products.

“Do not sell them, their true value lies in the harvest they will yield and the livelihoods they will sustain. Together, let us commit to food self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and a vibrant agricultural future for the FCT and for the nation.” He said.

He said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to food security, agricultural revitalisation, and the welfare of residents.

Wike noted that this year’s exercise, which coincides with the farming season, was deliberately timed to ease production costs and enhance yields.

He disclosed that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure the inputs reach genuine farmers while preventing diversion or misuse.

He further explained that the FCTA, in partnership with international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Leventis Foundation, and development banks, has continued to prioritise capacity building and promotion of good agronomic practices.

The Minister appealed to beneficiaries, especially youths, to embrace agriculture as a pathway to prosperity rather than depend solely on white-collar jobs.

“This initiative underscores our firm commitment to food security, agricultural revitalisation, and the welfare of our people. As the FAO has emphasised, food insecurity threatens dignity, stability, and peace.”

“Our enhanced security efforts are already restoring confidence in our communities and providing a safe environment for agriculture and investment.” He added.

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Ango, said the Secretariat procured 550 metric tonnes of assorted fertilisers, including NPK, urea, and fertiliser gels, as well as 3,500 knapsack sprayers, for onward distribution at subsidised rates.

He stressed that the Items will be strictly monitored to ensure they are used only for cultivation by certified farmers.

The Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, lauded the intervention, particularly the gender-inclusive approach to supporting women farmers. She highlighted the MUJE PUJE project—a renewed hope, resilient food security programme—as a flagship initiative aimed at empowering women, youth, students, and households through farming.

Traditional rulers and stakeholders across the FCT attended the event, with Wike urging them to encourage farming in their domains and ensure security in rural communities. (Nigerian Tribune)