By Umar Zubainatu Kambari
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has flagged off the distribution of subsidised fertilisers to farmers across the 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, announcing a 50 per cent subsidy on the agricultural input as part of efforts to boost food production and enhance food security during the 2026 farming season.
The ceremony, held at the Adamawa Agricultural Mechanisation Authority (AAMA) in Yola North, attracted government officials, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, farmers’ associations, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Among those present were the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Salihu Idris; the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Adamawa State Chapter, Hon. Sulaiman Gangkuba; the Chairman of the Adamawa State Maize Farmers Association, Yusuf Ibrahim; Yayaji Mijinyawa; and the Hakimin Karewa.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Fintiri said his administration’s strategic vision for agriculture was anchored on its development agenda, recognising the sector as the foundation of sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction.
“Our strategic vision for Adamawa agriculture when this administration assumed office was anchored on our development vision and the Eight-Point Agenda, recognising that agriculture sits at the absolute heart of sustainable growth and poverty reduction,” he said.
The governor noted that although Adamawa is blessed with vast fertile land and favourable climatic conditions, natural resources alone cannot guarantee development without deliberate government intervention.
“Adamawa State is richly endowed with fertile land and favourable climatic conditions. However, we have always maintained that natural potential alone cannot guarantee development. It requires deliberate investment, comprehensive strategies, and direct support for our farmers,” he stated.
Governor Fintiri explained that his administration has continued to implement progressive agricultural initiatives, including the Agro Export Programme in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), aimed at improving the competitiveness of agricultural products while ensuring exported crops meet the zero-rejection standard in international markets.
He added that agriculture occupies a prominent position in the state’s Ten-Year Development Plan, describing the sector as a major driver of employment generation, wealth creation, and economic diversification.
“As the 2026 farming season begins, this fertiliser distribution is expected to boost crop yields by ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs at affordable prices,” he said.
The governor noted that more than 70 per cent of Adamawa’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods, making continued investment in the sector essential to the state’s economic prosperity.
According to him, the 50 per cent subsidy is intended to reduce production costs, increase farmers’ profitability, and stimulate economic activities in rural communities.
Governor Fintiri warned that the subsidised fertilisers were procured with public funds exclusively for genuine farmers and should not be diverted for personal or political purposes.
“These subsidised fertilisers are public assets meant to serve genuine farmers and farming communities across the state. They are not for political patronage. They are not for personal use, and they must, under no circumstances, be diverted, hoarded, or resold.
“I am directing the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside local government coordinators, to deploy a strict monitoring framework similar to the one established for our recently distributed tractors to guarantee transparent, equitable, and direct delivery to the farmers who need them most. We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or sabotage of our food security agenda,” the governor warned.
He also urged beneficiaries to apply the fertilisers on their farms and refrain from selling them to middlemen for immediate financial gain.
Speaking on behalf of the 21 local government councils, the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sulaiman Gangkuba, commended Governor Fintiri for the initiative, describing it as another demonstration of responsive and responsible leadership.
He assured the governor that local government authorities would ensure the fertilisers reached genuine farmers.
“Public confidence is built on responsibility, and we shall uphold those responsibilities and secure the future of generations yet unborn,” Gangkuba said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Adamawa State Maize Farmers Association, Yusuf Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Governor Fintiri for approving the subsidy, saying the intervention would significantly reduce the financial burden on farmers.
He noted that the initiative would increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the state.
“I thank the governor for this laudable intervention. This product will benefit many farmers and contribute greatly to food production across the state,” Ibrahim said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Salihu Idris, said the distribution exercise reflects the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening agricultural development.
The fertiliser distribution programme forms part of the Fintiri administration’s broader agricultural transformation agenda aimed at increasing food production, reducing rural poverty, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring sustainable economic growth in Adamawa State.
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