First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially flagged off the 2026 farming season in Niger State, with a large-scale distribution of agricultural tools and inputs to farmers across the state.
The ceremony, which also marked the presentation of farming implements, was described as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural economic development.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the initiative represents a shift from subsistence agriculture to modern, mechanised, and commercially driven farming in Nigeria.
“Today’s event is not just the commencement of another farming season; it is a bold statement that Nigeria is ready to feed herself,” she said. “It signals a deliberate transition from subsistence practices to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture.”
She added that the intervention would improve farmers’ productivity, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to national economic growth.
Senator Tinubu also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security in July 2023, noting that ongoing agricultural interventions align with the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency. She said the provision of fertilisers and other inputs to farmers reflects the administration’s commitment to boosting agricultural output.
Commending farmers across the country, the First Lady described them as the backbone of Nigeria’s food system.
“Our farmers—the men, women, and youth who rise before dawn and labour tirelessly on the land—are the backbone of our nation’s survival,” she said, urging continued support for their efforts.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, said agriculture remains a top priority of his administration, adding that federal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, had increased resources available to states for agricultural development.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has made more money available to the sub-nationals, which has enabled us to achieve more in agriculture,” he said.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, commended the state government’s efforts, noting that the provision of modern equipment would enhance productivity among farmers.
Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Highway, which includes multiple dams, would further boost agricultural production and improve transportation of farm produce.
At the event, Senator Tinubu handed over 250 tractors with 75-horsepower capacity, 50 combined tractors, and 150,000 bags of fertiliser for distribution across the 25 local government areas of Niger State.