By Remi Johnson, Abuja
As the saying goes, a nation that cannot feed itself cannot thrive. This perhaps explains why the Nyesom Wike-led administration is determined to reposition agriculture as a major driver of food security and economic growth in the territory.
Under his leadership, the FCT Administration has rolled out a series of interventions aimed at empowering farmers, reducing production costs, and boosting yield.
One of the most remarkable strides is the recent procurement of 550 metric tons of fertiliser and other farming inputs by the FCTA and its distribution to registered farmers across the six Area Councils at a 50 percent subsidised rate.
For many smallholder farmers, like Sumaila Yusuf, this gesture is timely, cost-saving, and transformative.
“Many of us could not afford to buy fertilizer for the planting, but with this FCTA 50% discounted rate, we are happy.”
Another farmer, who simply identified himself as the Sarkin Manoma (Chief of Farmers), Mr. Hossana Waziri from Bwari Area Council, said before now, the rising costs of fertiliser and other inputs had threatened their ability to cultivate farmlands, but with Wike’s intervention, thousands of farmers are assured of improved productivity this season.
Beyond fertilisers, Wike has encouraged partnerships with international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Leventis Foundation, and the Islamic Development Bank.
According to the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Mr. Chidi Amadi, through these collaborations, farmers are receiving capacity building, improved seedlings, and exposure to modern agronomic practices.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a prosperous, secure and inclusive city that every Nigerian is proud to call home. We are dedicated to transforming the FCT into a premier destination for investment.
“And as you can attest, our relentless efforts have led to a remarkable improvement in the security landscape. This enhanced security is not only restoring confidence in our communities but also creating a safer environment for agricultural activities to thrive,” Amadi said.
Women and youths are not left behind. With the launch of projects in collaboration with the Women Affairs Secretariat, the Administration is promoting inclusivity by supporting women farmers to further process their cassava into garri and fufu, encouraging household food gardens, and reviving previously abandoned farmlands for productive use.
Three women, Mrs Asabe Danladi, Mrs. Lami John and Mrs. Happy Danjuma, in Kwali Area Council who are into the fufu and garri business, testified that the government’s support for FCT women is putting food on their tables, helping them to pay bills, and enhancing food security in the territory.
The FCT Administration has also held a workshop with fishery and poultry farmers to equip them with knowledge of best practices, while traditional rulers in the Area Councils have also been tasked with encouraging farming activities and guaranteeing food security in rural communities.
Stakeholders say these efforts are already restoring confidence in farming, creating jobs, and contributing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With the FCT Minister’s drive to attain food security, the FCT is gradually positioning itself not only as Nigeria’s political capital but also as a hub of agricultural revitalisation, where farmers, women, and youths can look to the soil for prosperity and hope.