The Federal Government has distributed agricultural inputs to 68 farmer groups and cooperatives in Lagos State as part of efforts to boost food sufficiency and support grassroots farmers.
The initiative, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is part of the programme tagged “Inputs Distribution for All Year Round Farming.”
Speaking at the official handover ceremony held at the ministry’s state office in Oko-Oba, Agege, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the intervention aims to enhance food production and strengthen support for local farmers.
Kyari, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that food sufficiency remains critical to national security.
He added that similar agricultural input distributions have already been carried out across the 36 states of the federation.
According to him, the programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention strategy to reduce production costs, increase yields and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
“Today’s distribution of critical farm inputs, improved seeds, fertilizers, 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,” Ogunbiyi said.
He described farmers as the backbone of the country’s food system, stressing that empowering them is essential to achieving sustainable food security.
Ogunbiyi also urged beneficiaries to ensure proper and efficient utilisation of the inputs while carrying out regular evaluations to measure the impact on their farming activities.
“As we formally flag off this input distribution exercise, let this moment mark the beginning of renewed productivity, enhanced collaboration and shared prosperity.
Together, we will build a food-secure Nigeria where every citizen has access to affordable, nutritious and sufficient food,” he added.
The event also featured the inauguration of the state office store for farm inputs.In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, said agriculture remains a key sector for job creation and economic development.
She noted that the intervention would complement the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Earlier, the Lagos Zonal Head of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Adeniyi Banjo, emphasised the need for responsibility and accountability among beneficiaries to maximise the use of the inputs and contribute to national food security.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the Federal Government for the support, promising to make effective use of the seeds and equipment to increase food production.
Items distributed include vegetable seeds, tomato seeds, rice seeds, pesticides and power tillers.
Written by Olusegun Haastrup