Fertiliser producers pledge to meet national demand
As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 farming season, the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to meet national fertiliser needs, citing collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and government.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, FEPSAN President Sadiq Kassim announced that over 400,000 tonnes of NPK fertiliser are currently stockpiled, with substantial quantities of raw materials—80,000 tonnes of DAP, 60,000 tonnes of MOP, and 114,000 tonnes of Granular Ammonium Sulphate—already available. Additional shipments totaling 400,000 tonnes of raw materials are expected by May 2025 to sustain blending operations.
The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) continues to be a central pillar of national supply efforts, with blending facilities already requesting inputs to produce over one million tonnes of NPK, aligning with the government’s goal to double fertiliser consumption over the next two years.
In a shift from generic production, the industry is investing in crop- and soil-specific fertiliser blends, developed in partnership with agricultural research institutions. These customised products aim to enhance nutrient efficiency, lower input costs for farmers, and drive productivity.
FEPSAN confirmed that all fertilisers comply with the Fertiliser Quality Control Act (2019), and are monitored under a regulatory framework led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Office of the National Security Adviser, especially in high-risk regions like the North East.
The association also revealed reforms to improve cost-efficiency, stating that hidden costs tied to logistics, clearing, and handling have been addressed, leading to a projected 10% reduction in input prices this year.
Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), acknowledged past difficulties with affordability and welcomed the new emphasis on tailored fertilisers. He noted that matching fertilisers to soil conditions could reduce overall costs and increase accessibility for smallholder farmers.
The association emphasized the importance of regulation and quality control, warning that institutional gaps could lead to the proliferation of substandard or counterfeit products. However, FEPSAN’s role as a “positive cartel,” as described by Ibrahim, ensures a coordinated, industry-led approach to quality assurance.
Source: The Punch
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The latest developments in Nigeria’s fertiliser sector represent a strategic alignment of public-private interests to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. Stakeholders across the agri-food value chain should interpret this momentum as a critical opportunity to scale efficiency, precision, and sustainability.
- For Policymakers and State Governments: Fertiliser Use Must Be Guided by Local Soil Data
The move towards soil-specific and crop-specific blends reflects a fundamental shift from the old “one-size-fits-all” input model. Sub-national governments should support soil testing initiatives and ensure extension agents are trained to interpret and disseminate fertiliser recommendations aligned with local agronomic realities. - For Farmer Groups and Cooperatives: Demand Data-Driven Inputs
AFAN’s acknowledgment of the value of tailored fertiliser blends signals a growing awareness among farmers. Cooperatives must invest in soil card schemes, lobby for inclusion in fertiliser distribution networks, and hold agro-dealers accountable to supply authentic, quality-regulated inputs. - For Agribusiness Investors and Blenders: Time to Expand Custom Blending Capacity
With over one million tonnes of NPK targeted for production, blending companies must scale operations to handle specialised formulas. Investors should prioritise partnerships with research bodies and integrate blending tech and digital inventory systems to meet emerging demand efficiently. - For Development Partners: Back Integrated Fertiliser Programs with Education and Monitoring
Donors and international partners can catalyse impact by funding capacity-building for agro-dealers, creating farmer training on fertiliser usage, and supporting digital traceability systems to reduce counterfeit products and promote transparency. - For Agro-Tech Innovators: Build Tools for Precision Input Distribution
The emphasis on precision blends and soil health opens the door for digital mapping tools, AI-based fertiliser recommendation platforms, and mobile extension services. Startups that offer these tools can bridge the information gap between R&D outputs and last-mile farmers.
Conclusion: Fertiliser Sector Reform Must Be Linked to Broader Food Systems Strategy
The readiness of Nigeria’s fertiliser industry for the 2025 farming season goes beyond supply—it signals a maturing ecosystem that blends innovation, regulation, and farmer inclusion. Ensuring these fertilisers reach the right hands, at the right time, and in the right form will determine the sector’s contribution to national food security and rural income growth in the coming years.
