By Jennete Ugo Anya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and food security, as new figures show expanded progress in fertiliser production, distribution, and value chain reforms across the country.
The President gave the assurance recently while commending the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for their roles in stabilising fertiliser supply, expanding local production capacity, and improving access for smallholder farmers under ongoing federal interventions.
According to him, the reforms being implemented through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), now under MOFI, alongside the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) managed by NADF, reflect a coordinated strategy to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic agricultural systems.
President Tinubu noted that the policy direction aligns with broader efforts to shield Nigeria’s food system from global shocks, particularly disruptions in international supply chains and rising costs of fertiliser inputs driven by geopolitical tensions.
He explained that early government interventions helped secure critical raw materials, improve procurement systems, and maintain continuity in fertiliser blending operations across the country.
Data presented by the Presidency indicates that as of May 2026, over 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs had been secured, equivalent to about nine million bags. In addition, 10 cargo vessels carrying fertiliser materials have either been discharged or are currently in transit, signalling sustained supply chain activity.
The government also projected that Nigeria is on track to deliver 1.1 million metric tonnes of fertiliser in 2026, translating to approximately 22 million bags nationwide. This target is positioned as part of a broader effort to boost agricultural output and stabilise food prices.
A key milestone highlighted in the update is the expansion of domestic blending capacity. Nigeria now operates more than 90 functional fertiliser blending plants, making it the largest fertiliser blending hub in Sub-Saharan Africa. Officials say this development has strengthened local manufacturing, created jobs, and improved resilience within the agricultural sector.
President Tinubu further disclosed that strategic procurement arrangements under MOFI generated savings of N61.58 billion in 2026, a cost efficiency he said would help improve affordability for farmers and support government sustainability in agricultural interventions.
While MOFI’s reforms focus on supply security and production capacity, NADF has been tasked with ensuring that fertiliser reaches end users, particularly smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Through the RH-FISP, NADF is currently distributing 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser to 128,930 farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The distribution is targeted at the current planting season, where timing and access are critical to yield outcomes.
The intervention also includes support for improved farming practices through digital extension services and standardised fertiliser application guidelines. Priority crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybean are central to the programme’s focus, reflecting their importance in domestic food consumption and industrial processing.
President Tinubu described the fertiliser interventions as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from production and input supply to distribution and market access. He emphasised that food security remains a central pillar of his administration’s economic agenda.
He also pointed to the broader global context, noting that rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have increased pressure on food systems worldwide. In response, Nigeria, he said, has taken proactive steps to stabilise input supply and protect domestic farmers from external shocks.
The President highlighted that Nigeria’s agricultural reforms are not limited to production targets but extend to structural improvements aimed at building long-term resilience in the sector.
“Our administration will continue to take practical steps that improve productivity, support our farmers, and secure our nation’s food future,” Tinubu said, describing the ongoing interventions as evidence of policy continuity and execution.
With fertiliser availability improving, blending capacity expanding, and distribution networks being strengthened, the government is positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic stability and rural development.
However, analysts note that sustained gains will depend on efficient distribution systems, security in farming regions, and the ability to maintain affordability for smallholder farmers who remain most vulnerable to input price volatility.
For now, the administration is presenting the fertiliser programme as a foundational step toward boosting food production, stabilising prices, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs.
