FCT Farmers Raise Alarm Over Delayed Fertiliser Release

Farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the delayed release of 6,800 bags of free fertiliser meant for the 2026 wet season farming under the National Agricultural Development Fund’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) FCT Chapter Chairman, Dr Perpetual Okafor, said the delay is causing growing frustration as the planting season progresses without the much-needed farm inputs. She explained that all eligible beneficiaries had already submitted their details, yet the fertiliser has not been distributed despite repeated efforts to engage the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

According to Dr Okafor, the official launch of the fertiliser distribution took place on 15 June 2026, and she visited the Department of Agri-services two days later to follow up on the release. However, she was informed that the Mandate Secretary was unavailable to approve the distribution. She added that several phone calls and messages sent since then have received no response.

“It is very concerning that the fertilisers have not been released. The wet season farming will soon be over, and the fertilisers will no longer be useful to the farmers if not released on time,” she said.

The AFAN FCT chairman revealed that many farmers have been forced to purchase fertiliser from the open market to avoid disrupting their farming activities, placing additional financial pressure on them.

She urged the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to release the fertiliser within the week, warning that the association may be forced to take further action if the delay continues. Dr Okafor also appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure that the 1,700 beneficiary farmers receive the 6,800 bags of fertiliser as originally planned.

As of the time of filing the report, the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat had not responded to requests for comments on the matter.

Do you think delays in distributing farm inputs could affect Nigeria’s food production this farming season?