Abuja, Nigeria – May 4, 2025
Farmers across rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are warning of an impending food shortage as the 2025 rainy season begins with no sign of government-subsidised farm inputs.
Farmers from Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji area councils voiced their frustration, citing the lack of improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, tractors, and sprayers—resources they say are critical to kickstarting the planting season.
In Dobi community, Ahmadu Usman shared his struggles after clearing three hectares of land for cultivation, only to buy inputs on credit from Suleja due to silence from the authorities.
“I can’t wait endlessly. The rains are here, and the season won’t wait,” he said.
Similarly, Bamayi Markus of Dafara (Kuje) reported settling for low-quality seeds due to soaring input prices, while Dantani Gwatana of Riwaza (Kwali) lamented using hoes instead of tractors, citing unaffordability and inaccessibility.
Across farming communities—from Zukpatu to Abaji—the story is the same: inputs either arrive too late or don’t come at all.
Alhaji Muhammadu Dangana, the Sarkin Noma of Abaji, blamed the recurring failure on middlemen hijacking government-distributed supplies, leaving real farmers stranded and desperate.
Both the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) joined in urging urgent government action to prevent disastrous harvests and worsening food insecurity.
In response, the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat says it is working on swift intervention plans. Mandate Secretary Abdullahi Ango assured that following a week-long strategy session and facility tours, interventions will soon begin—including faster delivery of seeds, equipment, and renewed private sector partnerships.
But with time running out and fields lying bare under the early rains, many farmers say they are fast losing hope.
“If nothing changes now, we’ll have hunger later,” one farmer warned.
