The federal government has empowered smallholder farmers in Lagos State with agricultural inputs to boost productivity and attain food security in the country.

The empowerment was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Thursday at Agege, Lagos.

The distribution of agricultural inputs to the farmers in Lagos State was handed to 68 farmers’ cooperatives.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the distribution was part of the government’s effort to address food insecurity and boost productivity across the country.

“This event is not merely ceremonial; it is strategic, deliberate, and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. It underscores our collective commitment to strengthening food production, enhancing farmer productivity, and ensuring sustainable food production and security across Nigeria.

“Today’s distribution of critical farm inputs — improved seeds, fertilisers, 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.

“We recognise that farmers are the backbone of our food system. Without empowering them, food security will remain an aspiration rather than a reality,” Mr Kyari said.

The minister noted that Lagos State occupied a unique and strategic position in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

“Beyond being a major consumption hub, Lagos is increasingly becoming a model for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, vegetable production, and agribusiness innovation. The collaboration between the federal government and the Lagos State government demonstrates the power of synergy in achieving shared goals.

“However, let me emphasise that inputs alone are not enough. We must ensure proper and transparent distribution and effective utilisation of the inputs by genuine farmers, adoption of improved agronomic practices and strong monitoring and evaluation to measure impact.

“We therefore call on beneficiaries today to use these inputs judiciously and responsibly. Let them translate into increased output, improved incomes, and greater food availability for our people.

“To our farmers here today: you are not alone. The federal government stands firmly with you. Your labour feeds the nation. Your resilience sustains our economy. Your success is Nigeria’s success,” the minister said.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, commended the federal government for not leaving Lagos behind in the distribution of the inputs across the country.

“This initiative is a very commendable intervention in our support of our farmers, with the provision of inputs such as improved seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation equipment and other essential materials that are required to boost agricultural productivity in the state.

“At a time when food security has become a major priority for governments across the nation, this kind of support is not only timely but also very impactful. Agriculture for us remains a key support for economic growth, job creation and sustainable food systems.

“The provision of these inputs to farmers in the state will significantly reduce production cost, improve yields and ultimately enhance food availability for our growing population once in Lagos State. Agriculture is a strategic pivot, and that’s why, being a highly organised state, Lagos continues to invest significantly in agricultural development through initiatives that support crop production, agriculture-efficient lives of development and agro-processing,” Mr Audu said.

He said the support of the federal government for agriculture and food security complements the efforts of Lagos State systems in advancing food security.

“I encourage the farmers to make the best use of the resources of the inputs that are being distributed today.

“These resources are meant to improve your productivity, enhance your livelihood, and, by extension, contribute to the food security of our dear state,” Mr Audu said.

Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, Wasiu Bawa-Allah, commended the federal government for the initiative.

Mr Bawa-Allah, however, urged the farmers to make good use of it for increased agro-productivity.

“The essence of federal character is to make sure that every Nigerian benefits from the resources of the federal government.

“I believe this event of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is in line with why we are here today to give testimony that indeed the downtrodden and the farmers are being made beneficiaries of the government’s resources.

“We urge the recipient farmers to put to judicious use the input so they can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in terms of economy, food security and increased productivity of agriculture in Lagos State and the nation,” he said.
(NAN)