* Programme aligns with President Tinubu’s food security agenda — NADF Boss
Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has warned against any form of diversion or manipulation in the distribution of fertilizer under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), stressing that the inputs must reach only the intended beneficiaries.
Speaking at the flag-off and distribution of 100,800 bags of fertilizer to 25,200 smallholder farmers across the North-West, Governor Radda said strict monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the exercise.
“We will not tolerate diversion or manipulation. These inputs must reach the intended farmers,” the Governor warned.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim kaula Mohammad said the programme, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, is being implemented under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), according to the Executive Secretary of the Fund.
Governor Radda said the flag-off marks the commencement of the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertilizer to 25,200 verified smallholder farmers across the region. He added that Katsina State alone will receive 20,160 bags for 5,040 farmers under the programme.
Governor Radda described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming agricultural productivity and strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.
“This programme is not just about distributing inputs—it is a deliberate strategy to improve yields, strengthen food systems, and uplift millions of smallholder farmers,” he said.
He noted that the timing of the intervention is critical, coming at the peak of the farming season, and would significantly boost output, increase rural incomes, and enhance national food security.
The Governor also stressed that the North-West remains Nigeria’s agricultural backbone, calling for sustained investments in mechanization, irrigation, and quality inputs.
“Realising our full agricultural potential requires investment in quality inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, and market-driven policies,” he stated.
Radda also highlighted Katsina State’s agricultural investments, including annual distribution of over 400,000 bags of fertilizer, solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers, and other modern equipment.
“These inputs are fully subsidized, locally produced, and traceable, and are clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure transparency and accountability,” he cautioned.
Radda further said the initiative is designed to ensure only genuine farmers benefit, with strict monitoring mechanisms in place.
“This programme is about transparency, accountability, and boosting productivity in our agricultural system,” Governor Radda stated.
He further noted that the intervention will strengthen local fertilizer production, create jobs, and support domestic industry, linking agriculture directly to economic growth and development.
Governor Radda called for deeper collaboration among the Federal Government, NADF, development partners, and state governments to sustain the momentum.
Earlier, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman, described the programme as a timely and strategic intervention to boost agricultural productivity across the region.
“This is not just input distribution—it is a strategic investment in our farmers, our communities, and the future of our economy,” he said.
He explained that Jigawa State received 20,160 bags of fertilizer for 5,040 farmers, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the regional economy, driving employment and food security.
Also, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed A. Ibrahim, described the programme as a precision-driven intervention designed to ensure efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact.
He said agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and poverty reduction efforts.
“When we get agriculture right, we reduce poverty, stabilise food prices, and empower millions of Nigerians across the value chain,” he stated.
He explained that the programme prioritises crops such as maize, sorghum, rice, cowpea, and tomato depending on state-specific needs.
According to him, the intervention covers five North-West states, with strict monitoring mechanisms including farmer verification and input tracking systems.
He also disclosed that Nigeria’s fertilizer production capacity has expanded significantly, growing from 4 blending plants in 2016 to over 90 by 2025.
“This intervention must reach the intended farmers—nothing less is acceptable,” he emphasized.
On his part, Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, commended both the Federal Government and NADF for the initiative, describing it as a timely boost to agricultural productivity.
He noted that the programme complements Governor Radda’s ongoing investments in irrigation, mechanization, and farmer empowerment, adding that agriculture must be treated as a business for sustainable impact.
The event was attended by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abba Kyari; the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Minister Housing and Urban Development Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma; the Deputy Governor Katsina, Hon Faruk Lawal Jobe; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Services, Bello Kaoje; the Chairman, House Committee on Public Service Matters, Sani Bala Tsanyawa;
Also, Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria–Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group, Prince Ayuba Aboki; the Commissioner for Agriculture of Kaduna State; and the Director-General of the National Seed Council of Nigeria, Entonu Mohammed, among other distinguished dignitaries and stakeholders.
