The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has engaged agro-processors and other stakeholders to review the pilot phase of its Farm Input Supply Programme and strengthen delivery ahead of the next farming season.
The engagement took place through a roundtable held concurrently in Lagos and Kano States, bringing together agro-processors from both the southern and northern regions. The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, was represented by Mr Abiodun Sosanya, General Manager, Corporate Services, in Lagos, and Mr Nasir Ingawa, General Manager, Partnerships and Investor Relations, in Kano.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Sosanya and Ingawa explained that the programme was created to address a key challenge facing Nigerian agriculture. “The NADF–Farm Input Supply Programme (NADF-FISP) is a strategic intervention to improve access to essential inputs, enhance productivity and strengthen rural livelihoods through out-grower systems,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that the pilot phase recorded implementation difficulties, especially delays caused by logistics issues and climate variability. “These challenges are real and reflect the complexity of agricultural interventions, but they also provide valuable lessons,” he said. Ibrahim added that the review process would help improve coordination, timelines and quality assurance in the next phase.
Agro-processors expressed support for the programme’s objectives and subsidy structure, describing them as relevant to farmers’ needs. However, they raised concerns over logistics delays, changes in import policies and falling commodity prices, noting possible effects on profitability and loan repayment. They called for stronger stakeholder engagement.
NADF assured participants that feedback from the discussions would guide a more efficient, transparent and climate-responsive second phase, in line with efforts to boost agricultural productivity and national food security across the country in Nigeria nationwide for farmers and stakeholders alike.
