Renewed Hope Initiative Targets More Than 20,000 Smallholder Farmers in North-Central Nigeria.

The Nigerian government has launched a new farm input support programme aimed at increasing agricultural production, improving food security and strengthening support for smallholder farmers across the country.

The initiative, known as the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), was officially launched in Minna, Niger State, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader strategy to achieve food sovereignty and enhance agricultural productivity nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to providing farmers with essential agricultural inputs needed to increase crop yields and improve food availability.

According to the minister, smallholder farmers remain central to Nigeria’s agricultural sector and play a critical role in achieving the country’s food security objectives.

Government Expands Support for Smallholder Farmers

Abdullahi Sabi explained that the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) was established to strengthen agricultural development through strategic partnerships with state governments and key stakeholders in the sector.

He noted that supporting farmers with timely access to fertilisers and other essential inputs would help reduce production challenges while increasing agricultural output.

The minister also highlighted Niger State as one of the leading examples of agricultural transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing ongoing investments aimed at expanding food production and modernising farming practices.

Fertiliser Distribution Programme to Benefit Four States

Under the first phase of the initiative, the National Agricultural Development Fund will support 20,160 smallholder farmers across Niger, Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara states.

The programme includes the distribution of 80,640 bags of NPK fertiliser, providing farmers with resources needed to improve soil fertility and increase crop productivity during the farming season.

Officials believe the intervention will contribute significantly to improving harvests and strengthening food supply chains across the North-Central region.

Niger State Positions Itself as an Agricultural Powerhouse

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago welcomed the programme and commended President Tinubu for prioritising food security and agricultural development.

The governor described the initiative as a timely intervention capable of accelerating agricultural productivity and supporting economic growth.

According to Bago, agriculture remains Nigeria’s most sustainable pathway to long-term economic development and food security. He revealed that Niger State is targeting the production of 2.5 million metric tonnes of grains this year as part of its broader agricultural expansion strategy.

The governor attributed the state’s growing agricultural success to its extensive arable land, increasing mechanisation efforts and continued investments in modern farming systems.

He added that the provision of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides through the programme would further enhance food production and support farmers across the state.

NADF Highlights Importance of Affordable Farm Inputs

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the programme as another important step towards achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that improving access to affordable, high-quality farm inputs remains essential for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring inclusive economic growth.

According to Ibrahim, the fertiliser distribution initiative has been carefully designed to ensure that support reaches genuine farmers while reducing production costs and improving access to quality agricultural inputs.

He said the programme is expected to increase crop yields, strengthen food supply systems and improve the livelihoods of farming communities across the participating states.

Ibrahim also praised Governor Bago’s achievements in agriculture, describing Niger State’s progress as a model for agricultural development in Nigeria.

Continued Investment Supports Agricultural Transformation

Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, also commended both President Tinubu and Governor Bago for their commitment to supporting farmers and expanding food production.

He noted that the Niger State Government has already made significant investments in mechanised farming equipment and subsidised fertiliser programmes, helping farmers improve productivity and reduce operational costs.

The state’s agricultural development efforts have positioned it as one of Nigeria’s leading food-producing regions and a key contributor to national food security objectives.

Smallholder Farmers Remain Key to Nigeria’s Food Security Goals

Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture, Isah Sidi Rijau, emphasised the importance of continued support for smallholder farmers, noting that they produce approximately 98 per cent of the food consumed in Nigerian households.

He described the farm input support programme as clear evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable food sovereignty and strengthening the agricultural sector.

According to Rijau, empowering smallholder farmers with access to fertilisers and other agricultural resources is essential for maintaining stable food production and improving rural livelihoods.

Government Strengthens Partnerships to Drive Agricultural Growth

A major highlight of the launch ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Agricultural Development Fund and the four participating states.

The agreement outlines the framework for implementing the first phase of the programme and ensuring effective distribution of agricultural inputs to eligible beneficiaries.

The event concluded with Governor Umaru Bago presenting fertiliser to selected farmers as a symbolic launch of the distribution exercise.

As Nigeria continues efforts to increase domestic food production and reduce reliance on food imports, initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme are expected to play a crucial role in boosting agricultural output, supporting rural communities and advancing the country’s long-term food security strategy.