The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched a nationwide initiative to boost food production with the distribution of free agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers. The programme was officially flagged off on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Green House State Office, Minna, Niger State.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed drive to achieve year-round farming, enhance food sovereignty, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He explained that the free distribution is targeted at cooperative groups, women, youth, persons with special needs, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Items provided include herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, tomato seeds, power tillers, and water pumps.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized that food security remains a national priority, describing the programme as a strategic intervention to lower the cost of living, create jobs, and support inclusivity in agriculture. He further assured that similar distributions would be carried out across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Acknowledging Niger State’s contributions to agricultural development, the Minister praised Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago for his achievements, noting that the state’s progress has positioned it as a model for federal agricultural programmes.
In his remarks, Governor Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” thanked President Tinubu for selecting Niger State as the pilot state for the all-year-round farming initiative. He said the federal government’s support will motivate farmers, enhance productivity, and drive food security goals.
Governor Bago highlighted key milestones in the state’s agricultural sector, including the export of $2.2 million worth of sesame seeds in 2025 through the Nigerian Women Police Cooperative in Farming and plans to establish sesame processing facilities. He also announced that Niger State will revive its Cooperative Bank with N2 billion to provide microfinance services tailored to farmers, thereby reducing their dependence on high-interest loans.
The distribution ceremony underscores the federal government’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector capable of ensuring food sufficiency and economic growth.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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