First Lady Flags Off 2026 Planting Season in Niger

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday flagged off the 2026 planting season in Niger State, distributing tractors, fertilizers, and other farming implements to boost agricultural productivity.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady described the initiative as a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to food security, agricultural transformation, and rural development. She said the flag-off signals a shift from subsistence farming to modern, mechanised, and commercially viable agriculture.

“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, adding that the support would empower farmers to increase productivity and improve livelihoods.

She linked the initiative to the food security agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023, stressing that food availability and affordability remain top national priorities.

The First Lady also paid tribute to Nigerian farmers, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s survival, and assured them that their efforts would continue to receive government support.

In his remarks, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reiterated his administration’s commitment to agriculture, noting that the sector remains central to both state policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government. He added that increased funding to states following the removal of fuel subsidy has enabled greater investment in agriculture.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi Abdullahi, commended the state government’s efforts, expressing optimism that the provision of modern tools would significantly enhance farmers’ output.

Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Highway, noting that the inclusion of over 300 dams would support irrigation farming and improve transportation of agricultural produce.

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As part of the flag-off, the First Lady handed over 250 tractors with 75-horsepower capacity, 50 combined harvesters, and 150,000 bags of fertilizer for distribution across the 25 local government areas of the state.

The initiative is expected to strengthen food production, support farmers, and contribute to Nigeria’s drive toward agricultural self-sufficiency.