‘Not for Sale’: Radda Warns as FG Rolls Out Fertiliser Support to Thousands of Farmers

Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the North-West Governors Forum, Dikko Radda, has warned against the diversion or manipulation of fertiliser allocated under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), insisting that the agricultural inputs must reach only verified beneficiaries.

Governor Radda issued the warning during the flag-off of the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across the North-West geopolitical zone.

The initiative, implemented under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the event, Radda said stringent monitoring and accountability measures had been established to ensure transparency throughout the distribution process.

“We will not tolerate diversion or manipulation. These inputs must reach the intended farmers,” the governor declared.

According to him, the programme marks the commencement of the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to verified smallholder farmers across the region, with Katsina State alone receiving 20,160 bags earmarked for 5,040 farmers.

The governor described the intervention as a strategic investment aimed at transforming agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods and strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.

“This programme is not just about distributing inputs; it is a deliberate strategy to improve yields, strengthen food systems and uplift millions of smallholder farmers,” Radda said.

He noted that the intervention comes at a critical period in the farming season and is expected to significantly increase agricultural output, improve farmers’ incomes and contribute to national food security.

Highlighting the importance of the North-West to Nigeria’s agricultural economy, the governor said the region remains the nation’s food basket and requires sustained investments in mechanisation, irrigation infrastructure and access to quality farm inputs.

“Realising our full agricultural potential requires investment in quality inputs, mechanisation, irrigation and market-driven policies,” he stated.

Radda also outlined several agricultural support initiatives already being implemented by the Katsina State Government, including the annual distribution of more than 400,000 bags of fertiliser, solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers and other modern farming equipment.

He disclosed that all agricultural inputs distributed by the state are heavily subsidised, locally produced, traceable and clearly labelled “Not for Sale” to discourage diversion.

“These inputs are fully subsidised, locally produced and traceable, and are clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.

The governor further emphasised that the programme was designed to benefit genuine farmers through a robust verification system and strict monitoring mechanisms.

“This programme is about transparency, accountability and boosting productivity in our agricultural system,” he added.

Radda noted that beyond supporting farmers, the initiative would stimulate local fertiliser production, create employment opportunities and strengthen domestic industries linked to agriculture.

He called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, development partners and agricultural institutions to sustain ongoing efforts to improve food production across the country.

Earlier, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, represented by his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman, described the initiative as a timely intervention capable of improving agricultural productivity and supporting economic growth in the region.

“This is not just input distribution; it is a strategic investment in our farmers, our communities and the future of our economy,” he said.

Usman disclosed that Jigawa State also received 20,160 bags of fertiliser for distribution to 5,040 farmers, stressing that agriculture remains the backbone of economic activity across the North-West.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, described the programme as a precision-driven intervention designed to ensure efficiency, accountability and measurable impact.

He said agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and poverty reduction efforts.

“When we get agriculture right, we reduce poverty, stabilise food prices and empower millions of Nigerians across the value chain,” Ibrahim stated.

According to him, the programme prioritises strategic crops including maize, rice, sorghum, cowpea and tomato, depending on the agricultural needs of participating states.

He explained that the intervention currently covers five North-West states and is supported by comprehensive monitoring systems involving farmer verification and input-tracking mechanisms.

Ibrahim also revealed that Nigeria’s fertiliser production capacity has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from just four blending plants in 2016 to more than 90 by 2025.

“This intervention must reach the intended farmers, nothing less is acceptable,” he emphasised.

Also speaking, Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, commended both the Federal Government and NADF for the initiative, describing it as a major boost to agricultural productivity.

He said the programme complements Governor Radda’s investments in irrigation, mechanisation and farmer empowerment, adding that agriculture must be approached as a business capable of driving sustainable economic development.

The event attracted top government officials and stakeholders, including the Minister of Livestock Development, Senator Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaga Rabe Darma; and the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe.

Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly, state commissioners, agricultural experts and representatives of key institutions in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.