Members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the Federal Capital Territory are raising alarms regarding the delayed arrival of 6,800 bags of free fertilizer promised for the 2026 wet season. These supplies were designated for the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, managed by the National Agricultural Development Fund.
Dr. Perpetual Okafor, head of the AFAN FCT Chapter, indicated that local farmers are growing restless as the planting window closes. Although beneficiaries were registered and a distribution event occurred on June 15, 2026, the inputs remain inaccessible. Dr. Okafor reported visiting the Department of Agri-services shortly after the kickoff, only to be informed that the Mandate Secretary was unavailable to authorize the release.
Multiple attempts to contact the Mandate Secretary via phone and written messages have remained unanswered. Consequently, some agricultural workers have begun purchasing their own supplies at market prices to avoid losing their crops. The association has issued an ultimatum, demanding the release of these resources this week to support the 1,700 intended recipients. As of now, the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has not provided a statement regarding the delay.
