The Federal Government has begun distributing farm inputs to small-scale farmers in Niger State. The move is part of efforts to improve food production and strengthen food security in the country.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, launched the programme in Minna on Friday.
He explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places food security at the centre of government priorities.
“We have declared food security as a national emergency. Our goal is to transform the agriculture sector so that food is available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.
The inputs being shared include herbicides, cocoa fertilizer, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, and tomato seeds. Farmers will also receive power tillers and water pumps. These items will be distributed through farmers’ associations, cooperatives, groups for people with special needs, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The minister noted that the ministry has rolled out several programmes to support farmers and ensure food is both accessible and affordable. He stressed that all agricultural projects are being aligned with the president’s priority on food security.
Abdullahi expressed confidence that the programme would boost food production, improve livelihoods, and help reduce poverty.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi, said the Tinubu administration is determined to use every available means to make food affordable. He added that 35 per cent of the inputs have been set aside for women farmers, in line with the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State praised the federal ministry for choosing Niger as the pilot state for the initiative. He said the effort would strengthen small-scale farmers and promote self-reliance.
The governor also announced that Niger State will launch a pilot scheme in 2026 to support two million women in agriculture. Participants will receive chickens, goats, sheep, and crops to rear for food and income.
Bago highlighted some of the state’s achievements, including the export of \$2.2 million worth of sesame seeds in 2025 through the Nigerian Women Police Cooperative in Farming. He also revealed plans to establish sesame processing centres.
He further disclosed that the state government will revive the Cooperative Bank of Niger State with N2 billion. The bank will operate as a microfinance bank for agriculture, helping farmers access loans at lower interest rates.
