BY: AYO AGBEOLUWAYE
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has flagged off distribution of free agricultural inputs to enhance productivity, improve farmer’s livelihoods, and achieve food sovereignty
At the flag-off ceremony held in Agege, Lagos, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari stated that the initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure all-year-round farming, and strengthen national food security.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi described farmers as the backbone of food systems in every nation, highlighting that the initiative is strategic, deliberate, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration
“It underscores our collective commitment to strengthening food production of today’s distribution of critical farm inputs — improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and other essential materials”
He revealed that the collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government has demonstrated the power of synergy in achieving shared goals.
“Lagos State plays a unique role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and goes beyond being a major consumption hub to a model for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, vegetable production, and agribusiness innovation”.
He stressed that the Ministry’s recognition of food security as a national security, it is implementing targeted interventions to support farmers across all agro-ecological zones.
These include input support schemes, mechanization services, climate-smart agriculture initiatives, and capacity-building programmes designed to improve resilience and productivity, the Minister added.
He charged beneficiaries to ensure judicious and responsible use of the inputs, urging them to translate the inputs into increased output, improved incomes, and greater food availability for our people.
The minister lauded Lagos State Government for its continuous investment in agricultural development, noting that partnership between federal and state institutions remains critical to achieving the nation’s food security objectives.
In her remarks, the Lagos state Commissioner of Agriculture and Food System, Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry, Mr Audu Emmanuel Fatai stated that the initiative align with the agricultural policies of the Governor Babajide Sanolu’s led administration geared towards achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the state.
