…as Nigeria’s urea production capacity exceeds 6.5mmts annually

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- THE Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the International Fertilizer Development Centre, IFDC, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to boost fertilizer access by farmers in order to upscale food production.

The MoU is to enable both the Ministry and IFDC work together to strengthen fertilizer supply systems, also focus on expanding soil testing and balanced nutrient management, and support private-sector-led distribution across the country. 

Meanwhile, the deal will ensure fertilizer affordability, accessibility, and timely distribution to help farmers have a seamless food production during farming seasons.

In a statement signed by the Head, Department of Information at the Ministry, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, speaking during the ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi said that, “Fertilizer remains indispensable for increasing crop yields and improving farm productivity across the agricultural value chain. 

“A farmer may appreciate access to machinery, tools, or financial services; however, the availability and affordability of fertilizer often determine the success or failure of a farming season.

“The Memorandum of Understanding is significant. The partnership will support efforts to improve fertilizer accessibility, strengthen soil fertility management, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance food production nationwide.

“We therefore call upon IFDC and all stakeholders to leverage this partnership to develop and implement impactful fertilizer programmes that will boost agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth and rural development.

“Together, we can build a more resilient agricultural sector capable of feeding our growing population while creating prosperity for millions of Nigerian farmers.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary revealed that the MoU aims to close the gap between Nigeria’s fertilizer production capacity and actual use on farms, “Nigeria’s urea production capacity now exceeds 6.5million metric tonnes annually through Dangote Fertilizer Limited, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, and Notore Chemical Industries Plc. Yet national fertilizer consumption remains at approximately 18.6 kilograms per hectare, well below the Abuja Declaration target of 50kg/ha.”

He (Ogunbiyi) highlighted that many smallholder farmers continue to face challenges related to fertilizer affordability, accessibility, and timely distribution, noting that coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and farmer organizations are required to address these bottlenecks.

He added that the agreement builds on Nigeria’s long-standing collaboration with IFDC, “Nigeria deeply appreciates IFDC’s global leadership and expertise in fertilizer development, soil health management, agricultural innovation, and sustainable food systems. 

“Over the years, IFDC has contributed significantly to improving agricultural productivity through fertilizer technology, input distribution systems, capacity development, value chain enhancement, and policy support across developing countries”, he said. 

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary recalled IFDC’s role in the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit in Abuja that produced the Abuja Declaration, and noted that in September 2025, the Federal Government announced an expanded partnership with IFDC at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, focusing on soil testing, balanced nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural intensification.

He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through partnerships that deliver measurable results for Nigerian farmers and the agricultural sector.

The Executive Director, IFDC, Mr. Bayella Thiam, while responding on behalf of IFDC, pledged that the organisation would continue to provide technical and logistics support for Nigerian farmers which in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Agricultural sector. 

Thiam emphasized that Nigeria’s population would ensure that IFDC’s objective of making fertilizer accessibility, availability and affordability is achieve as well as revolutionize the ecosystem of the sector.