The Federal Government has distributed farming inputs including improved seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals to farmers’ cooperatives in Lagos State to help smallholder farmers increase food production.
The distribution exercise was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security during a flag-off event held in Agege, Lagos, where representatives of 68 farmers’ cooperatives received the agricultural inputs.
Officials said the intervention is designed to support farmers with essential resources needed to boost productivity, reduce production costs, and strengthen food security across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the distribution of the farming inputs is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to support agricultural production nationwide.
“This event is not merely ceremonial; it is strategic, deliberate, and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Kyari said.
He explained that the intervention is aimed at ensuring farmers have the tools and resources required to improve crop yields and expand 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,” he stated.
According to the minister, empowering farmers remains a key step toward addressing food insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural system.
“We recognise that farmers are the backbone of our food system. Without empowering them, food security will remain an aspiration rather than a reality,” he said.
The government noted that providing quality inputs directly to farmers’ cooperatives helps ensure that smallholder farmers receive support that can significantly impact their productivity.
Kyari added that the intervention also forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains across the country.
He pointed out that Lagos State plays an important role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape despite being largely known as a commercial and consumption hub.
“Beyond being a major consumption hub, Lagos is increasingly becoming a model for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, vegetable production, and agribusiness innovation,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in strengthening agricultural development and improving food supply.
“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government demonstrates the power of synergy in achieving shared goals,” he said.
Kyari stressed that the distribution of inputs must be accompanied by responsible use and proper monitoring to ensure the programme delivers measurable results.
“Inputs alone are not enough. We must ensure proper and transparent distribution and effective utilisation of the inputs by genuine farmers,” he said.
He added that farmers should adopt improved farming practices to maximise the benefits of the intervention.
“We therefore call on beneficiaries today to use these inputs judiciously and responsibly. Let them translate into increased output, improved incomes, and greater food availability for our people,” Kyari said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, welcomed the Federal Government’s support and described the initiative as a timely intervention for farmers in the state.
“This initiative is a very commendable intervention in our support of our farmers, with the provision of inputs such as improved seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation equipment and other essential materials that are required to boost agricultural productivity in the state,” Audu said.
He explained that access to such resources will help farmers increase their output while reducing the cost of production.
“The provision of these inputs to farmers in the state will significantly reduce production cost, improve yields and ultimately enhance food availability for our growing population here in Lagos State,” he said.
Audu also emphasised the role of agriculture in supporting economic growth, job creation, and sustainable food systems.
“At a time when food security has become a major priority for governments across the nation, this kind of support is not only timely, but very impactful,” he said.
According to him, the Lagos State Government continues to invest in agricultural development and welcomes partnerships that strengthen the sector.
“Agriculture for us remains a key support for economic growth, job creation and sustainable food systems,” Audu said.
He added that the federal intervention complements the state’s existing agricultural programmes and initiatives.
“The support of the Federal Government to agriculture and food security complements the efforts of Lagos State systems in advancing food security,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Wasiu Bawa-Allah, commended the Federal Government for extending the programme to farmers in Lagos State.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens across the country benefit from national resources.
“The essence of federal character is to make sure that every Nigerian benefits from the resources of the Federal Government,” Bawa-Allah said.
He encouraged the farmers to make effective use of the distributed inputs to increase their agricultural productivity.
“We urge the recipient farmers to put to judicious use the inputs so they can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in terms of economy, food security and increased productivity of agriculture in Lagos State and the nation,” he said.
