By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has officially launched the distribution of free agricultural inputs aimed at enhancing productivity, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and achieving food sovereignty in Nigeria.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Thursday, 5th March 2026, in Agege, Lagos, with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, describing the initiative as a strategic move to bolster agricultural output and ensure all-year-round farming.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, the Minister hailed farmers as the backbone of the nation’s food system. He emphasised that the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“This initiative underscores our collective commitment to strengthening food production. Today’s distribution of critical farm inputs — improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and other essential materials — is part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention programme aimed at reducing production costs, boosting yields, and improving the livelihoods of farmers,” Kyari stated.
He added: “We recognise that farmers are the backbone of our food system. Without empowering them, food security will remain an aspiration rather than a reality.”
The Minister highlighted the collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government, noting that the partnership demonstrated the power of synergy in achieving shared agricultural goals.
According to him, Lagos State plays a unique role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, not only as a major consumption hub but also as a model for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, vegetable production, and agribusiness innovation.
Kyari stressed that the Ministry views food security as a matter of national security, hence the implementation of targeted interventions to support farmers across all agro-ecological zones. These include input support schemes, mechanisation services, climate-smart agriculture initiatives, and capacity-building programmes designed to improve resilience and productivity.
He, however, cautioned that the provision of inputs alone would not guarantee food sufficiency. He called for proper distribution, effective use by genuine farmers, adoption of best practices, and robust monitoring mechanisms to measure impact.
The Minister pledged that the Ministry would continue to support farmers with innovative solutions, strengthen extension services, promote irrigation and dry-season farming, expand access to improved seed varieties, and encourage youth participation in agriculture as a viable and profitable enterprise.
He charged beneficiaries to ensure judicious and responsible use of the inputs, adding: “Let them translate into increased output, improved incomes, and greater food availability for our people.”
Addressing farmers directly, Kyari assured: “To our farmers here today: you are not alone. The Federal Government stands firmly with you. Your labour feeds the nation. Your resilience sustains our economy. Your success is Nigeria’s success.”
He commended the Lagos State Government for its continuous investment in agricultural development, noting that the partnership between federal and state institutions remains critical to achieving the nation’s food security objectives.
“Let this moment mark the beginning of renewed productivity, enhanced collaboration, and shared prosperity. Together, we will build a food-secure Nigeria — a nation where every citizen has access to affordable, nutritious, and sufficient food,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Ruth Olusanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry, Mr Audu Emmanuel Fatai, noted that the initiative aligns with the agricultural policies of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which are geared towards achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the state.
Ms Olusanya pledged that farmers would make judicious use of the inputs to enhance food production.
The event, which attracted various Farmer Associations, Cooperative Societies, Development Partners, and dignitaries from all walks of life, featured the presentation of various inputs for distribution to cooperative farmers, with special attention given to farmers with special needs. The ceremony also included the commissioning of the State’s office store.
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