The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has announced its commitment to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) to enhance soil health and promote sustainable agricultural production in Nigeria.
This assurance was given by Beatrice Aighewi, Head of Station at IITA Abuja, during the launch of the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS),a comprehensive initiative focused on improving soil fertility management, promoting climate-resilient practices, and advancing sustainable land use.
According to Ms. Aighewi, the partnership aims to strengthen efforts toward improving the nation’s soils and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
She explained that IITA currently hosts the ECOWAS Centre of Excellence and Soil Laboratory in Ibadan, which serves as the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel.
She described the collaboration as a significant milestone that underscores the shared commitment of IITA and the Nigerian government to advancing soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Also speaking, Vincent Aduramigba, a visiting scientist at the Regional Hub, highlighted that the centre provides technical expertise, innovation, and regional cooperation to promote soil fertility, food security, and resilient agricultural systems.
He noted that while the hub is owned by ECOWAS, IITA coordinates its technical operations on behalf of member countries.
Mr. Aduramigba further emphasised IITA’s strategic role as a founding partner in the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme.
On efforts to engage rural farmers, he revealed that the federal government plans to establish 774 soil health laboratories, one in each local government area, so that farmers can access soil testing services to improve crop quality, increase yields, and sustain livelihoods.
In a related remark, Jubril Mohammed Jubril, President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, described soil as the foundation of agriculture, stressing that healthy soil is vital for the production of both crops and livestock.
He added that the NFSHS would also guide fertiliser manufacturers to produce more suitable fertilisers tailored to different regions across the country.
