ABUJA — Farmers across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to benefit from a 50 percent subsidy on fertilizers, as part of efforts to strengthen food production and enhance agricultural yields.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, made the announcement on Thursday during the distribution of 550 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizers in Abuja. The products included conventional NPK, granular urea, NPK gel, and urea gel fertilizers.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, Wike said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to food security, agricultural revitalization, and the welfare of rural farmers.
“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.
“In alignment with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the FCTA has institutionalised this annual support scheme to ease production costs and enhance yields,” he said.
Wike stressed that the timing of the distribution was intentional, coinciding with the farming season to ensure inputs reach farmers when they are most needed.
He, however, cautioned against diversion of the fertilizers, insisting that the inputs must get to genuine farmers who will contribute to food security in the territory.
Beyond fertilizer distribution, the minister revealed that the FCT Administration will partner with international development organizations to strengthen agronomic practices.
According to him, collaborations are underway with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Leventis Foundation, and the World Bank for farmer capacity building and modern agricultural support.
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