Nigeria’s fertilizer industry is poised for a successful 2025 farming season, projecting confidence in meeting the nation’s fertilizer demands. The Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has announced a series of proactive measures implemented in collaboration with government agencies to ensure a seamless supply of affordable and quality fertilizers to farmers. This collaborative effort aims to boost agricultural productivity and bolster national food security. FEPSAN acknowledges and appreciates the ongoing support from the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, which has fostered a thriving investment environment within the fertilizer sector.
Current fertilizer reserves are substantial, with existing stockpiles of 400,000 tonnes of NPK fertilizer. In addition, significant quantities of raw materials are readily available within the country: 80,000 tonnes of DAP, 60,000 tonnes of MOP, and 114,000 tonnes of Granular Ammonium Sulphate. Furthermore, the local production capacity for Urea allows for rapid replenishment within a week. To ensure continued supply, further shipments of essential raw materials have been scheduled. Anticipated arrivals include 150,000 tonnes of MOP by the end of April, followed by 100,000 tonnes of DAP and 150,000 tonnes of Granular Ammonium Sulphate, both expected to arrive by May. The robust demand from blenders, exceeding one million tonnes of NPK, demonstrates the industry’s growth trajectory and aligns with the government’s ambitious goal of doubling fertilizer consumption within two years.
FEPSAN is dedicated to not just meeting demand but also enhancing the effectiveness of fertilizer application. The industry, in partnership with research institutions, has made significant strides in developing customized fertilizer blends. These specialized formulations are tailored to specific crops and soil types, optimizing nutrient delivery and maximizing cost-effectiveness for farmers. This focus on precision and efficiency is key to enhancing agricultural yields while minimizing environmental impact. All fertilizers produced adhere to the stringent quality standards set by the Fertiliser Quality Control Act, 2019, and are subject to regulation by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Moreover, the movement and distribution of these products, particularly in the sensitive North East region, are closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure compliance with security protocols.
In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, FEPSAN is actively encouraging farmers to make informed crop choices based on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s Seasonal Climate Prediction. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. FEPSAN also underscores the critical importance of soil health, advocating for the production and use of balanced fertilizers by blenders, coupled with proper handling by agro-dealers and responsible application by farmers. This holistic approach aims to maintain soil fertility for long-term agricultural productivity.
FEPSAN is continuously striving to improve the efficiency of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) through its NPK Ltd subsidiary. Through a comprehensive review of the supply chain, hidden costs associated with clearing, logistics, packaging, and handling have been identified and addressed. These streamlining efforts are projected to reduce costs by up to 10 percent this year, resulting in more affordable fertilizer for farmers. This cost reduction is a significant step towards increasing access to essential agricultural inputs. FEPSAN assures the public of a secure fertilizer supply, expressing gratitude to government agencies, partners, and President Tinubu for their unwavering support in maintaining the robustness of the fertilizer supply chain.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), represented by its National President, Kabir Ibrahim, acknowledges the historical challenges faced by farmers regarding the affordability of fertilizers. Recognizing fertilizer as a crucial catalyst for agricultural growth in Nigeria, Ibrahim welcomes FEPSAN’s proactive efforts to address these affordability concerns. He expresses optimism about the industry’s positive developments, particularly the shift in ownership dynamics within the fertilizer production sector. The emergence of soil-specific and crop-specific fertilizers is viewed as a game-changer, offering the potential for enhanced efficiency and reduced costs compared to generic fertilizers. This customized approach to fertilization is expected to empower more farmers to access the essential inputs required for increased productivity. Ibrahim emphasizes the importance of aligning fertilizer application with the specific nutrient needs of each parcel of land, which can be determined through soil testing. This precision farming approach not only optimizes fertilizer use but also contributes to cost savings for farmers.
The effective regulation of fertilizer quality and distribution is paramount, and the institutional framework provided by FEPSAN plays a crucial role in this regard. While acknowledging the possibility of lapses that could lead to the circulation of counterfeit products, Ibrahim emphasizes FEPSAN’s role as a “positive cartel” in ensuring the quality of fertilizers reaching farmers. He stresses the need to support and protect the investments made by the 92 companies engaged in fertilizer production, recognizing their pivotal role in driving agricultural productivity in Nigeria. This support is essential for achieving the nation’s agricultural goals and ensuring food security.
