NEWS
Abia’s Farmers’ Inputs Support Programme Attracts National Praise as Federal Agencies, Development Partners Applaud Initiative
The Abia State Government’s Farmers’ Inputs Support Programme has continued to attract widespread commendation from key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), development partners, and leading agricultural institutions describing the initiative as a model worthy of emulation across the Nation.
The programme, flagged off by the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on July 10, 2026, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, saw improved agricultural inputs distributed to more than 17,000 farmers across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state as part of efforts to boost food production, enhance farmers’ productivity, and strengthen food security.
In an official communication addressed to the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through its Abia State Coordinator, Aloysius Chibuzor Mba, lauded the initiative as a bold and timely intervention in addressing rising food production costs and improving agricultural output.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mba praised the administration of Governor Alex Otti for demonstrating strong political will through the large-scale distribution of improved farm inputs to farmers across the state.
The ministry noted that the programme aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, stressing that its theme, “Improved Inputs, Increased Yield and Sustainable Prosperity to Farmers,” reflects the national strategy being pursued through input support, mechanisation, and dry-season farming programmes.
According to the ministry, providing farmers with quality and timely inputs is expected to significantly increase agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ incomes, expand food availability, reduce food prices, and ultimately move agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.
The Federal Ministry further described Abia as setting a commendable example for other states and reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the state government to ensure that improved farm inputs translate into higher yields and sustainable prosperity for farmers.
The initiative also received strong endorsement from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), which applauded the Abia State Government for its data-driven support to more than 18,000 farmers.
PIND described the programme as a significant step towards strengthening food security and building agricultural resilience. The foundation noted that the intervention aligns with recommendations contained in the PIND-supported Long-Term Development Plan and reflects the principles of its Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, which promotes sustainable, market-driven solutions that create lasting opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
In a separate note, the National Project Coordinator of the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme (NAGS) – Agro-Pocket, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abuja, A.I. Buba, congratulated both the Abia State Government and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB. He described the programme as “a great and wonderful initiative.“
Similarly, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, praised the initiative, describing the distribution of agricultural inputs as a powerful instrument for poverty reduction and food security.
According to him, “The distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers is a powerful tool towards poverty reduction and food security. The 2026 event by the ABSG is a loud statement that Abia has changed gear on its quest for making Abia the food production and commercialization hub in Nigeria. I am excited to be part of it and will work to ensure that it’s not a one-off but an action to be scaled to better support for farmers in Abia State.“
Also commending the programme, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described the intervention as well-executed and capable of serving as a strong foundation for future agricultural transformation in the state.
“It is a very good initiative and was well carried out.
“You now have a good platform to build on. Well done and Congratulations,“ the Permanent Secretary stated.
The growing endorsements from federal institutions, research organisations, and development partners further reinforce confidence in Abia State’s agricultural transformation agenda and underscore the state’s commitment to making agriculture a major driver of economic growth, food security, and rural prosperity.