In a bold move to boost food production and stimulate rural economies, the Kogi State Government has rolled out a major agricultural support initiative, distributing ₦3.2 billion worth of fertilizer to over 30,000 verified farmers across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.
The initiative is a key component of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s agricultural development agenda, designed to enhance productivity in critical value chains such as rice, maize, and cassava.
Speaking on the program, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, described it as a strategic intervention that combines direct input distribution with farmer education and extension support.
“This administration is committed to transforming agriculture beyond seasonal gestures,” he said. “What we’re doing is laying the foundation for sustainable productivity, food security, and farmer resilience.”
Unlike traditional subsidy programs, the fertilizer support is underpinned by a transparent enumeration and verification process carried out in 2024, in collaboration with commodity associations and local stakeholders.
Ojomah explained that only genuine, active farmers were included in the beneficiary list, eliminating fraud and ensuring impact.
Additionally, the program integrates a strong capacity-building framework, with extension workers and lead farmers trained earlier in the year to guide others in proper fertilizer application and modern agronomic practices.
Beyond the figures, the program is restoring farmer confidence in government-led agricultural policy. Beneficiaries have hailed the transparency and inclusiveness of the process, noting that the initiative responds directly to their most pressing needs.
“For the first time in years, we are seeing a government that listens and delivers real support,” said one farmer leader in Yagba West.
With global concerns over food supply chains and inflation, Kogi’s fertilizer initiative is being seen as a proactive measure that aligns with broader national goals of food self-sufficiency.
Ojomah reaffirmed that the Ododo administration is not only distributing inputs but also building local capacity for sustained growth.
“This is about preparing our farmers to compete, to thrive, and to feed our state,” he said. “Governor Ododo’s vision is clear: agriculture must be the engine of inclusive growth in Kogi State.”