By Stella Odueme
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for its significant contribution to improving farmers’ access to farm inputs and supporting the Federal Government’s drive to achieve food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President’s commendation was contained in a State House statement issued on Thursday, in which he highlighted the impact of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), a flagship intervention designed to ensure that agricultural inputs reach smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
According to President Tinubu, while the Federal Government has strengthened fertiliser production and procurement through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), now restructured under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the success of agricultural interventions ultimately depends on getting those inputs into the hands of farmers at the right time.
“Securing inputs and keeping blending plants active is only the first step. The real test is last-mile access — getting fertiliser to the farmers who need it, when they need it,” the President stated.
Tinubu noted that through the RH-FISP programme, NADF is currently distributing 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the ongoing planting season.
He described the initiative as a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening local food production, reducing dependence on imports and building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding external shocks.
“When we came into office, we made a promise to Nigerians that food security would be a major pillar of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We promised to support our farmers, strengthen local production, reduce dependence on imports, and build an agricultural system strong enough to withstand shocks from beyond our borders. That promise is being kept,” he said.
The President emphasized that improving access to agricultural inputs remains central to the government’s strategy for increasing productivity and ensuring affordable food supplies for Nigerians.
According to him, NADF has been driving agricultural support at grassroots.
The fertiliser distribution programme is being coordinated by the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, as part of broader efforts to support smallholder farmers, improve yields and strengthen food security nationwide.
The intervention is one of several strategic programmes being implemented by the Fund to address challenges facing farmers and boost agricultural productivity across key value chains.
President Tinubu acknowledged NADF’s efforts beyond fertiliser distribution, noting that the agency has also played a vital role in promoting modern agricultural practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidance and targeted support for priority crops.
The President identified rice, maize, cassava and soybean as among the key crops benefiting from the programme.
According to him, such interventions are helping farmers adopt improved farming techniques while enhancing efficiency and productivity across the agricultural sector.
Tinubu also highlighted the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the fertiliser value chain and protect the agricultural sector from global supply disruptions and rising input costs.
He noted that ongoing reforms and investments have helped sustain local fertiliser production capacity while improving affordability and availability for farmers.
The President said the government remains committed to building a more resilient agricultural system capable of meeting the food needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
“Our administration will not relent in its efforts to strengthen Nigerian agriculture and protect food security for every Nigerian.
“This is the meaning of promise made, promise kept. We will continue to take practical steps that improve productivity, support our farmers and secure our nation’s food future.”
Renewed Hope Agenda Delivering Results.
The President’s endorsement is seen as a major vote of confidence in the leadership of NADF and its growing role in the implementation of the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Industry stakeholders have identified improved access to fertiliser, extension services and modern farming inputs as critical factors in raising agricultural output and reducing food inflation across the country.
With more than 128,000 smallholder farmers benefiting from the current fertiliser distribution exercise, the RH-FISP programme is expected to contribute significantly to increased crop yields during the current farming season and support the government’s broader objective of achieving sustainable food security.
As the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve rural livelihoods, NADF is expected to remain a key institution in driving interventions aimed at boosting productivity, enhancing farmers’ incomes and ensuring long-term food security for Nigeria.
This version follows a detailed national newspaper format, combining background, policy context, figures, and prominent presidential quotes.
