Tinubu Allocates 100,800 Bags of Fertilizer to Five States in North West 

Tinubu Allocates 100,800 Bags of Fertilizer to Five States in North West 

A total of 100,800 bags of fertilizer has been allocated to smallholder farmers in five states in the North West by President Bola Tinubu under the the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).

The programme is being implemented under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The distribution of the allocated fertilizer was flagged-off by the  Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Saturday in Katsina.

The 100,800 bags of fertilizer would be distributed to 25,200 verified smallholder farmers across the five states, with each state getting 20,160 bags.

In his speech, Radda who is the governor of Katsina State, warned against any form of diversion or manipulation in the distribution of the fertilizer, stressing that the inputs must reach only the intended beneficiaries.

He 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.

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.

According to him, the timing of the intervention is critical, coming at the beginning of the farming season.

He said that the target is to significantly boost output, increase rural incomes, and enhance national food security.

The governor also stressed that the North-West remains Nigeria’s agricultural backbone, and called 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 investments in agriculture, which included the annual distribution of over 400,000 bags of fertilizer, solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers, and other modern farming equipment.

“These inputs are fully subsidized, locally produced, and traceable, and are clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.

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 of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Abu 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.