The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday began distributing subsidised fertiliser and farming equipment across the six area councils.
The move is seen as part of Minister Nyesom Wike’s plan to boost agriculture and rural development in the territory.
The flag-off ceremony took place in Abuja. It was described as a major step to tackle food insecurity, reduce the cost of farm inputs, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Representing the minister, Chief of Staff Chidi Amadi said the initiative aligns with the vision of creating “a prosperous, inclusive, and secure capital city.”
Wike announced that 50 metric tonnes of fertiliser would be given out at 50 per cent subsidised rates.
He warned against diversion and resale of the subsidised inputs.
The minister said strict monitoring would ensure transparency in the distribution.
“This administration remains committed to building a prosperous, inclusive, and secure city.
“Our enhanced security efforts are restoring confidence in our communities and providing a safe environment for agriculture and investment.
“I particularly appeal to our youths to embrace agriculture as a viable pathway to prosperity,” Wike said.
Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Suleiman Ango, said 15,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser and 3,500 knapsack sprayers were procured.
He explained that the farm inputs will be given only to certified farmers, cooperatives, and associations.
“All these products will be made available at highly subsidised rates to ease production costs and enhance productivity.
“Strict monitoring and control measures have been put in place to ensure these inputs do not find their way into the open market,” Ango said.
He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security.
Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, introduced Muje Puje, a food security project for women, youth, students, and households.
She said, “Investing in women and farming is not merely a gender agenda—it is an expression of national development.”
Benjamins-Laniyi added that the project had revived a 9,000-square-metre farm in Puje.
Traditional rulers from across the FCT were present at the event.
Officials urged them to mobilise rural communities to embrace farming and protect farmlands from insecurity.
The programme is also part of Wike’s wider effort to fight food inflation while boosting his political influence in Abuja.
Since assuming office, Wike has launched projects focused on infrastructure, security, and now, agriculture.