Farmers across the Federal Capital Territory, operating under the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) FCT Chapter, have voiced deep concern over the bureaucratic delay in releasing 6,800 bags of free fertilizer allocated for the 2026 wet season farming cycle.

The inputs were provided through the National Agricultural Development Fund’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme to support approximately 1,700 registered beneficiary farmers.

Speaking on behalf of the agricultural community, AFAN FCT Chapter Chairman Dr. Perpetual Okafor explained that despite the official distribution flag-off occurring on June 15, 2026, the inputs remain locked due to administrative bottlenecks at the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

Dr. Okafor noted that repeated follow-ups, calls, and visits to secure the Mandate Secretary’s signature for authorization have yielded no results.

With the rainy season rapidly progressing, local farmers warn that further delays will render the support useless for current crop cycles. Many smallholders have already been forced to purchase expensive inputs on the open market to prevent farm failures.

Consequently, the association issued an ultimatum demanding the immediate release of the fertilizers within the week, appealing to relevant authorities to intervene before further action becomes necessary.