FG EXPANDS FERTILISER PRODUCTION, SAVES ₦61.58BN, SAYS TINUBU

FG EXPANDS FERTILISER PRODUCTION, SAVES ₦61.58BN, SAYS TINUBU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for their roles in strengthening Nigeria’s fertiliser value chain, improving farmers’ access to inputs, supporting local production, and advancing the administration’s food security agenda.

He said the interventions implemented through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), now restructured under MOFI, and the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), implemented through NADF, demonstrate the government’s commitment to making food security a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President stated that Nigeria’s food security strategy was designed to strengthen local production, reduce import dependence, and build resilience against global supply chain disruptions.

He noted that challenges in global supply chains, rising fertiliser input costs, and geopolitical tensions had threatened agricultural productivity worldwide, but said Nigeria had responded with proactive measures across the value chain.

According to him, the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative under MOFI has strengthened procurement systems, secured critical raw materials, signed forward supply agreements, improved coordination, and protected local blending plants from global market shocks.

President Tinubu disclosed that as of May 2026, more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs, equivalent to about nine million bags, had been secured, with 10 vessels either discharged or in transit.

He added that Nigeria is on track to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonne fertiliser programme in 2026, representing about 22 million bags nationwide.

The President further revealed that strategic fertiliser procurement arrangements generated savings of ₦61.58 billion in 2026, helping to reduce costs and improve affordability for farmers.

He also highlighted that Nigeria now has over 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening local industry, job creation, and agricultural resilience.

While commending MOFI for strengthening procurement and production systems, the President praised NADF for focusing on last-mile distribution to ensure fertiliser reaches smallholder farmers on time.

He noted that NADF is currently distributing 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

President Tinubu also acknowledged efforts to promote digital extension services, improved fertiliser application practices, and targeted support for key crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybean.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President said government would continue to strengthen agriculture, protect farmers, and ensure sustainable food security nationwide.