By Agrobroadcast Team
The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers in Lagos as part of efforts to increase food production and strengthen national food security.
The initiative, carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was launched on Thursday in Agege, where 68 farmers’ cooperatives received various farming inputs aimed at improving productivity.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the intervention forms part of government strategies to tackle food insecurity and support farmers nationwide.
According to him, the programme aligns with the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu and reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding food production and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Kyari explained that the distribution of essential farm inputs including improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and other materials was designed to lower production costs, increase yields, and strengthen the capacity of farmers across the country.
He stressed that farmers play a crucial role in Nigeria’s food system, noting that empowering them remains key to achieving sustainable food security.
The minister also highlighted the strategic importance of Lagos in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. According to him, beyond being a major consumption centre, the state has increasingly emerged as a hub for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, and agribusiness innovation.
He added that collaboration between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government demonstrates how partnerships can drive progress in the agricultural sector.
Kyari, however, emphasised that the effectiveness of the initiative depends on proper distribution and utilisation of the inputs, as well as the adoption of improved farming practices and strong monitoring systems.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly to increase farm output, boost incomes, and contribute to improved food supply.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, commended the Federal Government for including Lagos in the nationwide distribution exercise.
Audu described the intervention as timely, noting that the provision of improved seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation equipment, and other essential materials would help farmers reduce production costs and increase yields.
He said agriculture remains critical to economic growth, job creation, and the development of sustainable food systems, adding that Lagos State continues to invest heavily in initiatives that promote crop production, agricultural innovation, and agro-processing.
According to him, the support from the Federal Government complements the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its food systems and ensure adequate food supply for its growing population.
Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner at the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Wasiu Bawa-Allah, praised the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens benefit from national resources.
He urged the beneficiary farmers to make effective use of the inputs in order to improve productivity and contribute to the country’s economic growth and food security.