…Shields Nigeria from global fertiliser crisis

Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

Early orders of fertilisers inputs have saved the country over N61 . 58 billion ($43.99 million) and insulated the nation from the current global fertiliser crisis, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has said.

The Managing Director of the organisation, Dr. Armstrong Takang, said in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, that it secured fertiliser inputs for the wet farming season well ahead of the current shipping disruptions due to the Middle East War.

The disruptions have affected fertiliser inputs including Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), and Muriate of Potash (MOP), globally.

“Across multiple markets, supply gaps are emerging, leaving farmers uncertain about availability and pricing ahead of the planting season. Nigeria, however, has moved ahead of the curve,” Dr. Takang said.

According to him, the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI -NPK) Limited , the wholly owned entity of MOFI secured its 2026 supply position months before the current market volatility.

The MD disclosed that the company locked in nine (9) vessels carrying a combined 407,304.00 metric tonnes, making a total of 534,219 MT of raw materials including the opening balance at the beginning of the 2026 cycle, available for NPK fertiliser production.

He added that all associated Letters of Credit have been fully established or settled, ensuring supply continuity.

Dr. Takang said as of mid-April 2026, over 323,109.24 metric tonnes (approximately 6.5 million 50kg bags) had been released to registered blending plants nationwide, with more than 198,264.41 metric tonnes (approximately 4 million 50kg bags) already offtaken, indicating active distribution across the country ahead of peak planting.

The MOFI boss said the early procurement strategy was designed to shield Nigeria from external shocks.

“We took a deliberate decision to move early, well ahead of market pressures, by securing supply, locking in pricing, and putting the necessary financial instruments in place.

“That foresight is what has ensured that Nigeria is not exposed to the disruptions currently affecting global fertiliser markets,” he said.

Dr. Takang emphasised that the impact of the intervention ultimately rests at the farm level.

“What matters is that the farmer can access fertiliser when needed and at a price that does not undermine production. By stabilising supply and managing cost exposure at the procurement stage, we are supporting that outcome at scale,” he said.

The MD said that for farmers preparing for the 2026 wet season, the immediate outcome was supply certainty.

“Raw materials are either already in-country or in transit, blending plants are receiving inputs, and the risk of sudden price shocks linked to global disruptions has been significantly reduced,” he said .

A breakdown of the figures showed that GAS was secured at $228 per metric tonne against a current market price of $343, while DAP was locked in at $775 per tonne compared to $950, and MOP at $400 per tonne against $430.

The price differentials reflected the impact of securing supply ahead of global price escalations.

Fertiliser availability and pricing remain central to Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and overall food supply. With global market conditions placing increasing pressure on input costs, ensuring consistent supply and price stability is critical to supporting production outcomes across the agricultural sector.

PFI NPK operates a centralised bulk procurement and distribution model, importing raw materials and supplying them to 94 FEPSAN registered blending plants across Nigeria. The company does not import finished fertiliser, ensuring that all NPK production is carried out domestically, supporting local industry and value addition.

In 2025, the company delivered 648,000 metric tonnes of raw materials. For 2026, operations are being scaled significantly, with a target of 1.52 million metric tonnes.

The supply chain operates under strict governance protocols. Collateral Management Agents provide independent oversight at warehouses, while raw materials remain under PFI NPK control until confirmed sales and repayment are executed.

Standard operating procedures, developed in collaboration with the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), guide handling, storage, and distribution, with regulatory compliance ensured through NAFDAC and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) requirements.

Operations are further supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), whose approval remains central to PFI NPK’s ability to operate and scale its distribution across the country.